Women, tears and work
The question is this: “Is it okay for women to cry in the workplace?” Sentiments are widely diverse. A recent Shark Tank episode features shark Barbara Corcoran saying to a potential investor, “Crying gives away your power. You’ve got to give up this crying stuff” while Lori Greiner, another woman shark, defends the emotional display and instead describes it as showing of passion for her work. Women walk a fine line when compared to men. Of that there is no doubt, but are we too emotional and does it get in the way of our goals? More than a few of our male counterparts have suggested this is so. Even some women agree. Or, do we in fact, have a enhanced perspective gleaned from a vantage point men have not experienced? My personal view tends to lean towards, “Dont let them see you sweat”. Having said that, I feel crying isn’t always off the table. Circumstances are different and responses to those circumstances are varied, making tears appropriate in some cases but perhaps not in others. Former Speaker of the House, John Boehner cried on occasion. We all saw him with his handerkerchief wiping away tears. Why is it different for a woman? Brett Kavanaugh cried at his hearing for his SCOTUS confirmation. Is there more to lose for a woman; do we have more to prove than men?