A former female boss (DCE by name) once explained to me how and when women become invisible. At a certain age men no longer look at them as, and I will use my terminology here, "possible conquests." These women may still be extremely attractive, or cute, or simply holding it together -- it doesn't matter. They will still become "invisible" to most of the men out there.
They also curiously become "invisible" to other women -- as rivals, as competitors for "cutest in the room," etc. They are no longer a threat to marriages, existing relationships, or friendships. Women do wisely leave open the possibility to befriend these "invisible women" -- especially if they have a lot to offer.
I was reminded of all this by the incredible victory Saudi women have finally achieved in their own country -- the right to drive cars. It only took about 120 years since cars were first used to them to achieve this "honor" -- which should not be an "honor" but a "right." Men control women in Saudi Arabia, while women silently and surreptitiously suggest and cajole men. It is the "battle of the sexes" only writ in a cultural language distinct from Western Civilization as a whole.
In American -- even though women can become invisible -- they must exert their power: in politics as they do in economics. On Main Street as they do within the family. On Wall Street as they do on Main Street. We need women to speak up, to act up, to be integral in leadership, to play a much strong role in American culture.
Resist always.
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