#4 “Equality is not optional”
When I started listening to that Ted Talk, I was immediately intrigued by the way he presented himself (he being Simon Sinek). Odd, I thought, I love the way he talks. I could have listened to him for hours. But then I started to understand what he was talking about, and I was even more intrigued. I listened to that talk three nights ago, and I still remember one line perfectly, probably because he repeated it over and over again, but I like to think because it means something. “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Huh. I love that line.
This line makes everything clearer for me, in a way. I was feeling lost about how to get people on my side, and this line gives me direction. Something to focus on so I don’t get sea sick, like the horizon. If I where to tell someone “Women need equal rights. I am trying to get people to see that by telling them exactly what I am telling you right now. I am doing this because I believe that women are just as important as men”, it sounds less convincing then if I were to say “Women are just as important as men. I will get people to see this by telling them what I am telling you right now. Women need equal rights”. This somehow just sounds like a better thing to be on board with.
Sinek also said “There are leaders, and there are those who lead. Leader hold a position of power or authority. But those who lead inspire us”. The more I think about this quote, the more true it seems. Martin Luther King, for example. He was in no position of power. He was with the losing side, at the time. But he inspired enough people to help lead us to take a step in the journey to a fair society. So, basically, I also have to learn how to be inspiring.
I could not find a lot on what was happening to end women’s rights issues in Vermont, but I did find one site. It was this government organization called Vermont Works for Women. This organization focused mostly on women in the economy, and getting women/girls to think of themselves as equals, and do non-traditional jobs, like government work, mechanics, and other jobs like that. They were trying to accomplish this goal by setting up programs for girls and young women, such as Rosie’s Girls, witch is a three week summer day camp that teaches girl in 6th-8th grade things like welding, STEM, carpentry, auto repair, and self defense.
Women and men are both human beings, the only difference is our gender. I am trying to educate people on the ways women are treated differently and how they can help stop it. Equality is not optional.
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Hi Megan,
I like the way you begin your entry here, by describing your first impressions of Sinek: you heard first how he talked and then focused on the specifics of what he was saying. I, too, found him a compelling speaker. It seems like his message has had an effect on you! I’d be curious to know, as you continue your work on the topic of women’s rights in Vermont, how the approach he suggests works for you. I think it’s great that you’re trying out re-framing your ideas with a new approach: that shows open-mindedness, flexibility, and a willingness to experiment, all of which will be of use to you in the coming months.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Megan,
I really like this line that you pulled from Sinek’s talk: “There are leaders, and there are those who lead. Leader hold a position of power or authority. But those who lead inspire us.” Keep this in mind as you pursue this topic for which you clearly have a strong passion.
Also, I would push you to think further about the WHY of women’s rights. “Women are just as important as men,” is a great start, but I wonder what tangible examples you could offer your readers/listeners as to why/how equal opportunities for women could enhance our society.
Lastly, we chatted a bit about this the other day, but I’d encourage you to think about a specific topic related to women’s rights. Some examples might include the wage gap, hunger/homelessness, violence against women, maternal/infant healthcare, paid sick leave or Roe vs. Wade.
It’s fun to see your ideas develop.
CK
Hi Megan!
I love your idea, as I am want to work on women’s equality and the wage gape. I think that the quote “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it,” is really powerful, although it is only a small sentence. I think that your ideas are incredibly important and could really be a great project. Women and men are very alike, but yet they are so different for so many reasons, and I think its something that not a lot of people see.