I agree with Barbara to an extent. There are jobs where, regardless of experience and knowledge, a manager must have employees who reflect their communities in order to succeed, as Belinda pointed out. But there are also people who won’t look beyond their prejudices when hiring. I think we are still in the transitional phase. We’re at a point where everyone falls into three categories. There’s one part of the population who has overcome the old paradigm, another that is holding on to it, and everyone else who is somewhere in between. Being amazed that women are being appointed to positions and recognized for their acheivements and qualifications is just a symptom of part of the problem. If we want the people in power to be blind to race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affliation, and every other line we can think of to divide ourselves, then we have to expect it of them as a normal part of the day and not treat it as a miracle.

Here we go again. Another Republican woman is moving up the ladder and the regulars at wOw are once again on the warpath. So sad. BUT not unexpected.

Well, I am blown away by the updates here. And, the acknowledgment that some women are also very greed - money - class-oriented, and just hungry for power, overall is another reminder of just how far we have gone backward! Women, unfortunately, still ride the coat tails of their husbands, boyfriends, or other males in power. It is a sad commentary. Yet, finally the bit of difference may very well be in the affects of Hillary Rodham Clinton in her pursuit of the Presidency. While, she is also very connected with the males in power, she may just be the catalyst which will bring forth the first woman President in this country. Not simply because she is married to Bill. Rather, more so because she is a strong outspoken, out in the world, woman. As I am writing this I note perhaps the Sara Palin kind of woman can more easily become President, since she is shown as more weak, or frail and more dependent upon her male counterpart? Is the whole matter of the strong woman vs the less strong, or weak woman, really at the core of all the debate over women in leadership? The “Madonna, Whore complex” really DOES seem to apply to this entire scenario. Perhaps Hillary will never be President of the USA, but - she has certainly helped to open the doors for really serious, like-minded women to seek our position, FINALLY, in this nation. Rhetorical questions: Why is it other countries of the world have women in positions of power which equal, that of our President? And, America is still behind in the world? Are American males MORE afraid of women? Are they more afraid of losing power? Is patriarchy so engrained in this country, women may never realize our full potential?

I am so choked up and happy and hopeful as I watch Obama’s inaugurational events- yet it is a little bitter sweet. Women are still lagging as we have in getting the vote, getting our economic freedom separate from a mans etc. But I am so glad to see and feel the change and hope of this new administration.