Malcolm Gladwell: The Lady Vanishes

[thatdamnwoman]

I've just been recommended this podcast and I thought I'd pass it on. This is a link to Spotify where if you register for free you can listen for free:

open.spotify.com/show/2LOJaYKijiwNefCvzczyib

He tells the story of two women, artist Elizabeth Thompson who was narrowly prevented from becoming the first female Royal Academician, and Julia Gillard, first female prime minister of Australia. He makes the point that male institutions, having allowed a woman into their midst, feel so virtuous that they can they then feel free to revert to the worst kinds of sexist behaviour. He's also clear on the silencing effect this kind of behaviour has on women.

This was Gillard's speech to the leader of the opposition who'd blamed her because the Speaker, whom she'd appointed, turned out to have sent sexist messages:

I've certainly noticed on Twitter that the worst misogynists are the ones who retweet #metoo stories - so there's something in what Gladwell is saying.

I've seen a bearded, millennial self-styled 'feminist' abuse woman after woman on social media, and when asked why he thinks he's a feminist, replied: 'I always pay a sex worker the full amount'

“I always pay a sex worker the full amount.”

No-one told me there were discounts!

I've not had time to listen to the podcast but this: He makes the point that male institutions, having allowed a woman into their midst, feel so virtuous that they can they then feel free to revert to the worst kinds of sexist behaviour.

Sounds like the phenomenon of 'self licensing'

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-licensing

• it's observable in many individuals and institutions (churches, political parties, charities....)

Interesting. I’ve heard his series in Radio four and read Outliers: both fascinating. I was worried he’d said something idiotic when I saw him mentioned. I will go and listen