The Misunderstanding of Empowerment
--
Per usual, in the back of my mind, I have thinking about the inequities in our society. In addition to that, I was watching a series that takes place during the early 1970s, when women were trying to change their gender roles and not be pigeonholed as pretty faces that produce offspring and three meals a day, all while steadfastly holding her tongue and playing her position as a sperm receptacle whenever the husband unit deems it necessary. The protagonist was very much a feminist and doing her best to empower women; to let them know than they can be more than women before them have been. And in this show, the men were opposed to it. They kept asking, “Why do you hate men?” And although, the show laid it out plainly and simply, it was rather striking to me.
Overall, women who are not seeking vengeance, want to empower other women, but not at the expense men. We just want to be able to do everything that men can do, and have equal pay and not be groped or humiliated or worse. Is that too much to ask? Clearly it is. Especially if raping a woman can be viewed as just a moment of fun that shouldn’t ruin the rapist’s life. Or if a judge can recommend that a women keep her legs closed to prevent rape in the future.
But let me steer this back to the topic.
Black people and people of color face the same issue. We want things to be equal. That’s all. As I have said before, when we protest it is not out of a desire for retribution. We want equality for all, across the board. But the racists and the elitist of the majority don’t see that. They don’t understand that our empowerment does not mean their diminishment. Gaining equality for us is a win for everyone. Equality for all. Full stop.
Empowerment is also a necessary characteristic of a good leader; whether it’s a scout leader, a team leader, a supervisor, a parent or a spouse. The goal of a good leader is to position those they lead to excel and do their best at whatever task lay ahead of them. Empowerment in leadership is uplifting, not tearing down. Poor leaders are incapable of doing this. They put you in a position to achieve on your own, and then at the last minute, they swoop in and pull the rug out from under you by undoing all that you have accomplished, treating you as if you have no idea what you’re talking about or taking credit for…
