by Tess Armstrong
It’s 3pm, I’m drinking tea and I check twitter. I see an article in one of Melbourne’s daily papers called, ‘50 Women You Should Admire’. I studied this list thoroughly and for the most part agreed with the humanitarians, politicians and journalists on the list yet what was more interesting to me than who WAS on the list was who wasn’t.
As a child my heroines were Anne Frank, Harriet the Spy, Joan of Arc and of course, The Spice Girls. We don’t have to beat around the bush, I was a total nerd alert. I loved Anne for her wit and confidence, Harriet for her curiosity and search for the truth, Joan for proving that whatever a man could do, a woman could do better and the Spice Girls for teaching me about girl power and self confidence.
Three months ago, during the Spring Carnival, our lucky country was invaded by one of the creatures from the bottom of the pit of inspiration… a Kardashian. A girl sobbing at an airport is asked by a reporter just what it is that she loves about Kim Kardashian. The reply? “She’s just like soooo pretty!!” I died a little bit inside.
So as this article from the tabloid paper that seems to solve life’s problems with the question ‘What Would Warnie Do’ loaded, I felt nervous. There were a number of really inspirational women on this list, yet for every Aung San Suu Kyi there was an Angelina Jolie… really?
The most fascinating entry genuinely shocked me. I needed to do a comical look back to make sure it wasn’t a joke. Tragically, it was not and among the Moira Kellys of the world was the name that made the entire list a farce; Brynne Edelsten. I’ve no personal issue with Brynne but I find it hard to fathom that anyone working at this paper would look at their daughters and think, ‘Gee I hope these girls grow up to be JUST like Brynne Edeslten.’
What was more fascinating than the Brynne factor was who was missing from this list. There was Ellen Johnson Sireleaf, the President of Liberia and I thought, ‘Yep, it’s a really good effort to be a female leader of a country.’ There was Helen Clark, Hilary Clinton and Penny Wong; all of whom are admirable politicians. Yet one groundbreaking female politician was somehow missing from the list; Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard.
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Top Comments
Do you really think rupert Murdoch cares whether penny Wong or Julia Gillard is named in the list? The fault lies with the journo and/or their editor
I didn't see this post before now... probably a good thing. My knee jerk response would not have been popular.
Without passing judgement on the women we are apparently supposed to admire, I would say this: the people I admire are the people who have made a difference to my life personally or who have made a difference to the lives of other. Those who devote their lives to contributing something valuable to the community. I don't look up to people who are famous just by pure chance or because they are attention seekers or simply because they are attractive. I have nothing against those people personally - but they are not the people we should look to for inspiration. Brynne Eldersten and Kim Kardashian may live the high life - but they exist in the world as nothing more than a bit of decoration. And maybe a line of perfume or handbags. It scares me that this is the type of person we are told to place on a pedestal when there are doctors, nurses, firefighters, teachers, scientists, human rights lawyers, humanitarians etc etc who spend their whole lives helping, and often saving, other people.
I agree with you that there are many women who make huge differences in the world...and they have my admiration. But I also think that there are women who shine because they have taught us something on a smaller, yet very valuable scale. Brynne has always chosen the high road in her response to criticism...and some downright rude and nasty comments directed toward her. She has always responded to harsh judgements and ridicule with dignity, poise, and kindness. She remains upbeat, positive and enthusiastic...and always stays true to herself. She provides a beautiful example that we can all use on varying scales. I aspire to emulate these qualities...and for this, I admire Brynne!