Just in case you need another reason to love the man, in a recent meeting with President Obama, the Dalai Lama brought up the need for more women in leadership roles:
“I also mentioned the female, biologically, more sensitive about others’ pain … about others who are suffering. I wish, you see, the amount of leadership more female … should take the leadership role.”
While a part of me bristles at the assertion that women are biologically more sensitive and empathetic, I get where he’s coming from. Women are socialized to be more caring and loving than men are and many act accordingly. And it’s awesome that feminism has gotten women to the place where many feel comfortable being just as assertive and competitive as men, however, honestly, I agree with the Dalai Lama- the world would probably function a bit better if men were socialized in the same ways as women.
I’m so, so happy to see women taking charge in the workforce and we still need a lot more of them in leadership positions to be equally represented. But really, I’ll be just as happy when it’s socially acceptable for men to be as emotional, loving and caring (and have their professions reflect such) as women are encouraged to be.
Information from Reuters
