Reels making fun of Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni are often seen on Instagram. Those trolling Georgia Meloni, one of the most powerful leaders in Europe, in India do not even know much about her. But the thinking of these world leaders is also not very different. This thinking was seen in the Gaza Peace Conference being held in Egypt. On a platform where the eyes of the whole world are focused, here too Georgia Meloni had to hear some ‘comments’ that were different from the topic of the conference from world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan and US President Donald Trump.
The question is whether world leaders are also like common people. Can’t they also stop themselves from commenting? Why does this happen, not because she is a woman. And, more than her capabilities, a woman is judged on her physical structure, her habits and the way she speaks and walks etc. Comment on world leaders who take communication coaching, learn from speech analysts and behavioral coaches. Why do these people who speak after measuring each word, always say petty things about a woman leader?
You are beautiful…I will give up cigarettes…these comments sparked debate?
Trump was giving a speech at the Gaza conference. Mid-speech, he turned to Meloni and said, “You are beautiful, I am not allowed to say this because if you use the word beautiful about a woman in America, your political career is over, but I will take the chance.” He did not stop here and further said that you have no objection in being called beautiful, right? Because you are beautiful.
Turkish President Erdogan also did not miss speaking from this platform. He jokingly told Melonie that you are looking very nice, but I will have to make you quit smoking. French President Emmanuel Macron was also standing near him and after listening to Erdogan, he laughed out loud and said, ‘This is impossible.’
On both these occasions, what other option would Meloni have had other than smiling, which is exactly what he did. Irrespective of the status of women, it has been seen that on such occasions they do not have the courage to protest or rather, they become accustomed to such things. This becomes a normal thing for them. Now think about it, would these leaders have passed such comments to any ‘male’ leader. Would Trump call him handsome and also that his career ends if he says so? Or would Erdogan have told any leader that you are handsome but leave such and such thing. It can be said, but till date such moments have not been reported anywhere.
If a woman leads, then become a ‘guide’
Even if a wise global leader is standing shoulder to shoulder, you do not hesitate to become her guide. You see a sense of humor in commenting on it. Sorry, only those who enjoy passing comments on women can laugh at these antics. Women in positions of power all over the world are struggling with the same thing, that is unsolicited advice. This advice is less about his work, decisions or leadership and more about his personality.
Smile a little more…people will get scared if you look so strong…be a little feminine…don’t smoke cigarettes…what is all this? These are not all tips. These are signs that the world cannot tolerate a strong, straight forward and decision-making woman like you are. He cannot say this directly but he expresses his frustration through his comments.
The layers of sexism in politics are very thin…
Gender discrimination in politics does not look like an open statement. Sometimes this is given in a polite tone and sometimes as a compliment. But in reality its effect is the same as that of a disrespectful remark. By diverting attention from the work of women leaders, their male-dominated thinking gets relief.
They very cleverly divert everyone’s attention from her work to her looks, behavior or personal choices. It is an irony that the higher a woman sits, the more she will be judged. She may also have to face sexist thinking and crime against women. As happened with Meloni recently. Her photos and those of other women were posted on an Italian porn site without permission. She was sexually manipulated. Vulgar captions were added along with his name. He reacted strongly to this but what happened, what changed? Therefore, whatever position women reach, a limit of opposition to them is automatically decided.
It is necessary to change the dual thinking of the society.
If a male leader makes a mistake then he uses strategy, if a female leader makes an emotion reaction, if a man is decisive then he is called a strong leader. If a woman is strong then she is called rude. Now take an Italian newspaper, this newspaper had called Meloni ‘Man of the Year’. His argument was that if there is such a strong leadership then it is like a man. Do you understand how the standards of leadership, bravery, intelligence etc. are still linked to men.
Do you remember that poem by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, ‘Khoob ladi mardani woh to Jhansi wali rani thi’. The strong woman who showed her bravery in the war was praised as ‘manly’. Subhadra ji had written this poem many years ago, then perhaps this adjective seemed appropriate to her. But even after so many years, not much seems to have changed. From politicians to media or social media, the adjectives for women do not correspond to their personality but seem to be based on the thinking of men.
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