GENDER BRAINWASHING

Interesting news from NBC this week concerning women CEOs.  In a series called Breaking Through, it presented new evidence that women might be much better managers than men. The report cited a study that found that women outscored men on 41 of 47 managerial skills criteria.

We certainly are hearing and seeing more women in management positions, but in spite of what the testing above shows, there are only three women CEOs in the Fortune 500.  Could this be related to the areas where men outscored the women such as decisiveness and directness?

Many feel that a woman's management skills rely more on personal relationships than do men's.  These skills are now being passed on to a group of Girl Scouts in Stafford, Virginia where they are being mentored by women CEOs.  "Camp CEO" appears to be in the vanguard of many other similar efforts by women to offer themselves as role models.

We've mentioned the surge of awareness that followed the win by our Soccer Champs and the amount of mentoring going on in its wake.  With a push and a shove, even General Mills relented to woman pressure and has agreed to put the pix of some of the team on "Wheaties boxes."  We can all show our approval by selectively buying those particular boxes.

Despite all efforts like those we have mentioned, our culture continues in its massive brainwashing of girls with emphasis on teaching them to be self-centered and inward directed.  Several new magazines for girls have appeared featuring articles on appearance and apparel.  Contrast this with boy's magazines that feature articles that teach outward directness and hands-on control of environment.  

Same thing is happening with computers going on sale in September, which are directed specifically to girls or boys.  One is referred to as "The Barbie model."  It is silver with "pink and purple floral accents."  It has a flower-bedecked mouse, mousepad and digital camera.  Software loaded on the computer: Barbie Cool Looks Fashion Designer, Barbie Riding Club, The Ultimate Writing and Creative Center, and Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.  The Barbie computer will also come with Math Workshop software.

In marked contrast, "The Hot Wheels" is blue and yellow with the Hot Wheels flame logo.  In place of fashion and writing software, it will come with Myst, Hot Wheels Custom Car Designer, and The Oregon Trail: Pioneer Adventures, plus the Math Workshop.

Decisiveness and direct training for boys.  Outward looking, hands-on control for boys. Barbie fashion and secretarial training for girls.  Could this gender brainwashing be influencing the limited number of women executives in the Fortune 500 just a tad?

The Boston Globe, in a recent article, took a look at the decisiveness and directness of the presidential candidate who is out in front in raising money and standing in the polls.  He tells us that "W's" aides have been meeting with the aides of the other Repugnant candidates.

Without any fear of the law since what they are doing is legal, they are offering to pay off ALL of their debts if they will drop out of contention in the primaries.  One candidate, Senator John Kasich, has already dropped out and cashed in on this offer, as has Lamar Alexander.

Along with this carrot, of no mean proportion, is a hefty stick.  Bush agents threaten reprisals (from associates of still influential former President Bush as well as the Bush governors of two large states, Texas and Florida) to any candidate who continues in the primaries and attacks "W."

This is REALLY direct and decisive.  This is the kind of instinct for the jugular that few women have and even fewer are trained for.  It is, however, the way things are done in this man-defined world of politics. . . and business.

The best thing about the results of the recent Iowa Straw Poll is that even though Bush came out ahead of the other Repugnant candidates, about 7 out of every 10 people DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM.

As expected, all of the candidates came out strongly against a woman's right to choose, indicating explicitly that a fetus was more important than a woman.

But the real chiller for us was when it became Bush's turn to come to the stage to give his speech.  The other candidates before him, who had come with their family, brought the family with them onto the stage and introduced them.  Bush, in marked contrast, took the stage and the applause alone.  Then, dramatically, he ordered his wife to come up and join him with this introduction:  Her only wish is that her job description always be wife and mother.

So now what?  What defense do mere women have against a person who has shown himself to be ruthless in his quest to be elected president?  Our defense is our strong hearts, invincible woman-spirit and, thanks to our FOREMOTHERS, we have the BALLOT.

If we want an avowed anti-choice, anti-affirmative action and anti-harassment laws president, who has the clout to FORCE COMPLIANCE from our senators and representatives, we do nothing.  If we don't, we use our strong hearts and invincible woman-spirit to mobilize our family, our friends and everyone we can reach to GO TO THE POLLS AND VOTE.

Twanda@ConnRiver.net                

1999-034

Copyright 1999 Renee T. Louise and Ruth M. Sprague, Ph.D. These articles may be republished for noncommercial use only, provided that they are copied intact, and that this copyright notice is attached. Address all queries to: twanda@ConnRiver.net.

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