Lea Simpson

TEDWomen kinda bugs me

In Society on January 6, 2011 at 10:15 am

It’s true. I’m bugged by TEDWomen. I don’t want to be. I’m a massive fan of the speakers. I just don’t understand why the world thinks we need a TEDWomen. Every time I have this conversation with people they have two ‘buts’:

“BUT Inequality and gender discrimination still exists

I get it. And I know this is true. Thing is though, I don’t see this as a women’s issue. I think it’s an issue for all of us. Conversations about what it’s like to have a career and a family (for men and women) would be far more interesting to hear at TED. I’d be willing to bet it would also result in more change in the workplace too. Half the people can’t make all the difference.

“BUT it’s affirmative action, men have had the chance for years

I always think that a good test for the ‘rightness’ of things relating to minority discrimination is to turn it round. A TEDMen would have us infuriated. I can’t help but believe that we’re perpetuating gender stereotypes instead of tackling them.

What do you think?

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