---Estée Lauder
Gender sure mangles the concept of "toughness" doesn't it? Yet a woman can be tough without the typically male stereotypes - if she has the inner strength not to get tied up in the female stereotypes attached to women who are "tough." Ever read that fax or email forward that talks about a man being strong in business is admirable and a woman who is the same is bitchy or other lovely attribute?
So why is it that the same quality gets distorted by gender - men are "passionate" when their emotions get the best of them - women are "irrational" or even worse. Even said sarcastically or in jest it's the double standard we all have to live with - as women we can balk and protest or just grin and get over it... consider the source so to speak!
No slam intended guys - instead - it's a call for women to allow their persistence to be a quality they can admire at least in themselves - in spite of public opinion.Celebrate the difference I've often said on this forum. Celebrate your toughness as well - in whatever fashion you choose to practice it. As women, we don't have to be crude or cruel to be tough - although the temptation is there because toughness is something probably generally accepted as a male attribute. Women can be tough - in a uniquely feminine way. The point is - to practice it. It's a mindset thing maybe - give up or stay in the fight till the end. Persistence or toughness or whatever label you choose - let go of the gender labels attached to the quality and follow your heart. With style. Create your own. Estée Lauder did.
