That’s the title of Maureen Dowd’s editorial of the New York Times. Unfortunately, you have to purchase the right to read it online, so if you don’t buy, you’ll only be able to read the first 50 words. My local paper, York Daily Record, carries her column, so I was fortunate enough to be able to read it the other day.
I found her editorial fascinating. It was, as you may have already surmised, in response to the “Devil Wears Prada” movie, that Cheryl wrote about in her last post.
I haven’t seen it yet, and in all likelihood won’t, but I did want to comment on the concept of older women being “bitches” to younger women. That seems to be a common theme, and though I know such situations and dynamics exist, I have to question just how much is reality and how much is stereotype. I’m sure it’s both, but I’m not so sure to what degree.
And what about the reverse situation, where ageism mixes with covert aggression and older, experienced women find themselves devalued and undermined by more “educated” younger women, who may step into supervisory positions right out of college?
And then Maureen makes an interesting point when she writes:
“It just seems better, this time, to side with the Wicked Stepmother than the opportunistic Cinderella…the only thing worse than the Devil who wears Prada is a person who profits from the fact that the Devil wears Prada….Whether or not Anna and Miranda are really monsters, at least they are themselves. It’s more admirable to be the beast to which the parasites attaches itself than to be the parasite.”
Now, that’s something to think about.
I don’t think we should be apologetic for speaking out against abuse, and I don’t think that’s what Ms. Dowd is promoting, however, there’s all kinds of ways to exert power or influence. Some of them are outwardly aggressive, and some covert. One role a relational aggressor may take is the role of a victim.
I’m not saying that’s what the Andy Sachs character is in the movie. I didn’t see it. But in looking at various dynamics, it’s good to be aware of all the aspects, rather than just the simple black and white one that may be presented.
Demian,
~DreamSinger
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