Yesterday I blogged about women and the myth of perfectionism and "having it all." Today I want to focus on one of the pieces I mentioned: women supporting one another in our choices. Or more to the point, not supporting one another.
I saw way too much of it in the workplace—women sabotaging one another and vying for the attention and approval of some male figure with power. Women cutting one another down. Once when I was in the running for a position never before held by a woman, I was dismayed to discover that some of my greatest detractors were women—including some whom I thought were friends. And some of my most helpful supporters were men.
I've heard the lack of support and sabotage at work in the debates between work-outside-the-home moms and stay-at-home moms, too.
And I ask the Rodney King question: Can't we all just get along? Aren't we on the same side: the side of all humanity?
I've also seen the best of what we women do: We tend and befriend. We build each other up. We support each other. We are there when our sisters need us, whether it's a shoulder to cry on, a high-five when we celebrate an achievement, or lending a hand when a friend is in over her head. That's the part I really like. And it's the part in which I want to focus my energies and passion.
Just so you know, I'm on your side—no matter what choices you have made. How about you?
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