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It isn’t news that the media has consistently commented on women’s appearance, but do women in the media realize how much they demean women this way?   For example, this glowing Wall Street Journal article about Lehman Brother’s CFO Erin Callan (who has since “resigned” with the Wall Street meltdown), written by a woman, references her wardrobe style as "classic and elegant".  Ok, it's a positive statement, but with all of the things one could say about Ms. Callan, commenting on wardrobe cheapens her in the role of CFO.

And of course, during Hillary’s historic run for president, numerous comments were made regarding her pant suits and her appearance.  A video produced by the Women's Media Center shows alarming statements by the mainstream media personalities, especially by Chris Matthews, whose MSNBC show is still on the air despite such gross abuses.  This video  has to be seen to be believed and I encourage every business woman to watch it:

Note that one of the most hurtful comments in the video, referring to Senator Clinton, is “if that’s the face of experience I think it’s going to scare away a lot of the independent voters who are on the fence” – made by a woman.  She was running against a 71 year-old man with scars on his face from multiple surgeries - and yet her looks became a matter of discussion.  The entire video of actual media coverage screams sexism - but it weakens the case greatly when wardrobe and appearance references are made by other women as they cause others to see such comments as socially acceptable.   

The black race has a term for a black person that acts against their race’s interests – they call that person an “Uncle Tom”.  We need a term for women who turn on other women.  I’m looking for suggestions so enter a comment with your ideas, and we’ll post a vote to determine which term we publicize whenever a woman dishonors womanhood so thoughtlessly.

You can also help foster a better culture.  When you hear a woman commenting about attributes of another woman that have nothing to do with the job, point it out!  It will get them to think twice.  And if you've been guilty of expressing these thoughts, take note you're playing right into society's hands as well.  If we want a reduction in sexism, it starts with us.

Have an idea for a term we can use for women who inappropriately dis other women?  Tell us and we’ll get the vote going.

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