Powerful female role models

On Wednesday morning, my time - a couple hours ahead of the United States, I was berating myself. I referred to myself as a genius and better than Einstein.  My tone was insulting. That's where the berating comes in. Yes, I try to berate *up*. 

 

In the midst of all of that, I wondered, what about women scientists, who could I use instead of men? I could only think of Marie Curie. Yes, I have moments of lucidity while raging about something. I also thought, "blog topic!"

Then, later that day, I saw the ReFAB post by Krissie http://reinventingfabulous.com/?p=214 and thought, "huh, she's asking a role model question - I just did that." Then I thought "huh, there's a surplus of actresses." Which is fine, I'm not judging, I have that list too. They are highly visible, it's natural. I certainly couldn't think of a wide range of women, which is why earlier that morning I was stuck on Madame Curie.

 

During the course of that day and the next after Krissie put up the composite list, I've since come up with Jane Goodall, the environmental scientist. And because of their high visual profile, women in politics like Angela Merkel, Indira Gandhi, Aung Sang Suu Kyi and just as I was typing - Cleopatra. 

 

I tried to think of women closer to my age and ended up back at an actress, Mayim Bialik - wife, mother, scientist and writer who used to be Blossom but is now Amy on The Big Bang Theory. Natalie Portman gets a mention for having had her name on a journal article/paper published recently. 

I'm adding authors to the list. I have to mention Jenny Crusie. And all our other Bettyfabulous authors - including but not limited to Lani and Krissie.

I am a fan of Bettany Hughes  the academic who has such a love of history and a positive way of delivering the content. If she's not on some History/Discovery/PBS/BBC channel near you, rent 300, watch the film and then watch the extras where she explains the history. Compare her to the guys. She beats all. (Warning: 300 has stylised violence but is really worth the watch.)

JK Rowling gets a mention in my list as a role model for having a family too. Jane Austen doesn't for dying young and alone.  

YOUR MISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT: While sitting here do a free association and type as many names of women role models in varied professions. Okgobang.

___________Gratitude__________

Having good friends who just by their presence make things better.

All of y'all for the support. Still in gasping doggy paddle mode, not quite swimming.

Comments

[KellyJ (Bona Fide Betty)]

Maria Montessori, who reshaped our understanding of childhood development and education for the better.

Queen Elizabeth, because she rocked.

Madeliene L'Engle, whose books inspired me so much as a young girl. Louisa May Alcott, ditto.

Harriet Tubman, for helping slaves escape via the underground railroad.

Rosa Parks, for refusing to give up her rightful place up front and helping set the civil rights movement on fire.

Mother Theresa, for being a saint.

Gloria Steinem, for showing us that women can be other than saintly.

Grace Hopper, for being a computer genius.

[londonmabel]

Lemme try...

Susan Johnson (psychology) Her scientific studies of love and couple counseling are revolutionary, and she has a beautiful way of seeing the world.

Mounira Charrad (sociology) I love anyone studying the intersection of state creation and gender, and Charrad is one of my faves.

Laila Parsons (history) My favorite professor. Humble, kind, engaging teaching style, smart grading system, and able to conduct a course on Israel and the Palestinian Territories without any fights breaking out.

Connie Willis (writer) Interesting ideas explored in her sci fi, moving writing, sharp humor, and a view of humanity that's critical but also loving.

Mae West (film) Wrote screenplays that challenges male double standards, but laced with the wickedest humor.

Nicki Minaj (music) Because she's climbing up the male ladder in the rap business, but without throwing women under the bus at the same time.

My cat daughters (animal world) Because they're proud, fierce, and stand up for themselves.

;-)