Speaking Freely: An Evening with Remarkable Women -- Speak Freely

Speaking Freely: An Evening With Remarkable Women

How would your life be different if you were the opposite sex?

Postings are no longer accepted on this board. Feel free to read through these thoughts shared by others.

Mon, Nov 08 10:04:00 PM (PT)
From Susan Connick in Santa Rosa :
I am 56 and grew up very protected. I have struggled all my life for a good-paying meaningful career and life. My brother has his own highly paid business, a paid-for home, expensive toys (a large sailboat, trips all over the world) and a new car every two years. He has been made my trustee when my parents die as my father is still convinced I am incapable of making my own financial decisions. I have a Masters degree and have worked most of my life as a teacher. My house has three mortgages, my car is on its last legs and I'm struggling to pay my health insurance. I don't want my brother's life, but I would really have appreciated the same support and confidence from my family throughout my life. I was raped at 17 and suffered tremendous sexual harassment during the first 1/2 of my career as a secretary before putting myself through college and university. He has never had to deal with that and would be laugh if I ever really confronted him about this as he feels it is a given and his entitlement.

Mon, Nov 08 10:53:19 PM (PT)
From Denise Brouillette in San Francisco :
If Iād been born a boy, I wouldnāt have been date raped at 17. If Iād been born a boy, I wouldnāt have heard my parents tell me many times that they were expecting a boy after having had two other girls. Had I been born a boy, I wouldnātā have had a prospective employer ask me if I had thought about who / how my three year old would be cared for while I was at work. Had I been born a boy, my ability to hang wallpaper, paint the interior of houses, install plumbing and electrical fixtures and appliances, and build bookcases wouldnāt have been laughed at and demeaned. Alas, I was born a girl, and an attractive one at that. Iāve succeeded in the corporate business world by being human, by not compromising my femaleness, and by not sucking up. Iāve used my wit and intelligence to get me to where I am. Thank you to the men who have employed me and who have recognized me for who I am, not who Iām not. And thank you to the women who continue to push for the equality we all deserve.

Mon, Nov 08 11:06:21 PM (PT)
From Monica in Hayward :
I am Mexican. I probably would be more confused and unstable. If I look at my immediate family I would have to say that mentally the women have it more together. My father, and brothers are alcholics. They fit the stereo-type male.

Mon, Nov 08 11:16:34 PM (PT)
From S. Maple in SF :
If I were a man, you would not have asked me this question; that is what would have been different. "Speaking freely" means one can comment on anything. By choosing the questions we are allowed to address, you have put yourselves in the position of limiting the discourse. I loved the program, I loved the women, and I loved everything they talked about. I'm proud to be a woman, and to have had the chance to hear these women speaking together. Make more of these programs! Thank you KQED. S. Maple

Mon, Jun 17 3:25:01 AM (PT)
From mihoubi hocine in amourah :
I have never thought about a girl that seldom likes or wants me.Whereas,these days,there is someone,a girl.she is very beautiful.The image of herself is always comes in my mind.I feel she loves me and want me as husband.her age is 15 years old.I ponder that this girl will be mine.Is it true these sinking ideas in the mind?Please annswer me?Merely they,thought come in deliberately only for this most welcome girl.

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