***To be clear, this is not a post about politics, democrats versus republicans, an opinion piece on the appointment of Judge Amy Barrett, whether you like Senator Diane Feinstein or not, or any other political views***

Let me begin by stating that I am appalled by the “ageist” and “sexist” treatment of Senator Feinstein in what was characterized as was “scolding someone for being too civil” and not falling along party lines.  Feinstein, 87 years old faced a backlash about her ability to continue in her role.  “This is one of the best set of hearings that I’ve participated in,” she stated at the end of four days of hearings.  

Senator Feinstein did an exemplary job of pressing Judge Amy Barrett to explain her views on a range of hot-button issues, and also expressed opposition to the rushed timeframe, while also praising Barrett and her family.  In a backlash, two progressive groups demanded she be removed from her spot as the committee’s ranking Democratic member.  Whether she can retain her position that she has served in for more than a quarter of a century is in question as she will face pressure to step aside, even though she would be in line to be the first female chair of the committee if Democrats take the Senate majority in November.

This type of sexism plays out far too often in the corporate world and must be called out as unacceptable in any setting.  How many times has a highly respected women voiced her opinion, respect, and/or admiration for another female only to be told in private that she is “not a team player” and then later passed over for a promotion.  Talented women too often are pushed out for speaking up when they have a dissenting opinion.  How many times have you ever heard of a man been scolded publicly for “being too civil?”  How often is a man faced with a backlash and his “ability” questioned over having a different opinion?  Men aren’t “pressured to step aside” after voicing their viewpoint and their commitment isn’t questioned because of it.  Men, it’s time to stop holding women to a different standard.  Women, it’s time to get loud!

What do you think…agree or disagree?

Please follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook Groups, Instagram, Twitter (@womensvoices3) or on my blog at www.womensvoicesleading.com for more interesting posts from Womens Voices Leading.

#womensvoicesleading #women #leadership #leading #networking #inclusion #inspiration #growth #discrimination

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/22/politics/republican-reaction-dianne-feinstein/index.html