Women have been stigmatized into thinking that their can only be one woman in power at a time so when one shows promise of being different, of having the ability to be in power, we tear each other down. The "Sensational Six" (Gordan) suddenly becomes the Exceptional Enemies as they play on Machiavelli's ideas of power. Machiavelli believes that one should not form any relationships or allies unless one is wiling to give it up at any moment, and this is the ideology of women, So quick, we are to throw a friend "under the bus"in exchange of attention, recognition or for power. The power dynamics Machiavelli talks about is scene in the struggle for power between common day women. As we fight to gain recognition and power we presume acts of "cruelty" to those around us to make ourselves be seen as more appealing in any and every situation.
Kennedy,
ReplyDeleteDo you think that this is natural or is there a way out this situation? What does your answer to the last question tell you about Machiavelli?
No, this way of thinking is taught amongst women. There's not enough "spots" for women in the working field so we're taught to compete amongst ourselves to sit next to a man. I guess this also goes to show the gender bias in political philosophy like Machiavelli
DeleteThis is a pretty funny connection that I found rather apt. I don't think that it applies to all women, I think that's not very fair to women. I also think that it totally applies to some men as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is a really interesting comparison. I agree with Mary that "to fight for power" is both applicable for men and women.
ReplyDeleteFollowing the example you gave, besides competing cruelly with each other in order to get attention, what are the other ways that you think can apply here to bring the same result.
I really like this post and the use of the article.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how this would relate to the cases were people often try to help their friends get into a relationship. Is it possible for women to put aside their competition in certain scenarios?
I think fighting for power is definitely applicable between men and women, but from personal experiences it does seem that women tend to go behind the backs of their friends more then men tend to do.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparison between the ideals of Machiavelli to your perception of women in modern day culture. However, is it possible that some of this "tearing each other down" could be misplaced for some kind of ambition? Is it human nature to attempt to better ourselves and to be competitive with one another. If someone sets any sort of goal, there will almost always to compete against others. Even if these people are our friends, should we sacrifice being on good terms and having a relationship at the cost of pursing the goal?
ReplyDeleteI see where your're going and maybe i used sexist language. But the ambition of women is getting to the top but much like men their ambition sometimes equivalates to hurting others on their way to the top
Delete