This is a useful entry in the redefinition of “sexism” stakes. For to note that men and women are different is not to be sexist. That requires also to be derogatory about that difference. And no one was being so about Theresa’s Tears. We were all cheering too loud to be so:
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] Theresa May has suggested that people who mocked her tears on the steps of 10 Downing Street are sexist. The comments are her first on her speech resigning as party leader when Mrs May said how she was standing down “with no ill-will, but with enormous and enduring gratitude to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love”. [/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]In an interview for the Daily Mail Mrs May said: ‘If a male Prime Minister’s voice had broken up, it would have been said “what great patriotism, they really love their country”. But if a female Prime Minister does it, it is “why is she crying?”.[/perfectpullquote]And Maggie certainly teared up on that final morning and we didn’t think any the worse of her for that now, did we? Nor better given the feelings of a substantial portion of the population.
Of course, the story as a whole shows entire and complete what is wrong with the current sexist debate. We’ve now had two bints as PM, One rather good – OK, forceful then – and one not – and certainly not forceful nor commanding. Both have been treated as PM, with all the praise and all the brickbats that brings with it. So, we’re pretty much over that sexism stuff aren’t we? Whatever anyone blathers about tears that’s mere details, trivia.
I heard her on the radio, so didn’t see the tears. It sounded like a petulant child. “… you’ve taken away My Favourite TOY!”