iGURU!’s – Weekly Review – 6th October 2019 Funny how life can be, isn’t it? - how you can say or do something - and later, at some point it returns to haunt you – or comes back and bites you! A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a weekly review titled ‘Words Matter,’ in that article I made a reference to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Mr. Boris Johnson – referring to a former colleague - and previous Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron - as a ‘girly swot.’ For those who are interested in the background surrounding Mr. Boris Johnson’s use of the term - click here. The term ‘girly swot’ is a particularly English term, apparently used in certain English male Public Schools, as a term of jocular abuse. The word ‘public,’ often confuses, those not familiar with its use in this context, since these are actually exclusive - private educational institutions, normally associated with wealth and privilege (for details of Public Schools in the United Kingdom click here.) The British Public School has been a major feature of British social and political life for centuries. By the 20th century however, it seemed as if its hey day had passed and with the decline of Empire, domestic, social and political reforms, it’s significance also seemed destined to fade. However – not so - Enter in 2010 – David Cameron, a former UK Conservative PM and an ‘Old Etonion’, (arguably, the most famous of British Public Schools.) PM David Cameron, by appointing a number of ‘Old Etonian’ cabinet ministers (to read more - click here) in his first Conservative government (2010-2016) – audaciously heralded the return of this particular fraternity of male politician - since ‘Old Etonions,’ represent a particular aspect of the British old boy network. With these ministerial appointments, gone was the ‘democratic’ and ‘meritocratic’ cover, which had masked this particular aspect of British society, namely the true nature and social makeup of British Governments and the higher reaches of power. The term ‘girly swot’ - that jibe of the public schoolboy – has arisen again, because of an article I read this week titled 'Supreme court chief’s jibe at PM: let’s hear it for the girly swots' - it’s a fascinating article, and the writer, quotes Lady Hale, the President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom - who during her opening speech, at the Association of State Girls’ Schools annual leadership conference - begins by saying - “Let’s hear it for the girly swots.” One strategy, to disarm a ‘verbal bully’ - is to adopt an ‘abuse’ or ‘insult’ – then ‘ make it yours’ – by removing its ‘power to harm’ – you then ‘empower’ yourself. As I read the article, I pondered on that thought - So - lets make it a rallying call! – ‘girly swots’ Unite and Fight! - hooray hooray for ‘girly swots!’ – ‘girly swots’ rule OK! - since ‘Girly Swots - Eventually become Powerful Women! – Both the UK & the US are currently experiencing a ‘crisis of power.' In every conceivable sense of that phrase, as it is applied to major civic institutions, be they political (Office of the President / Prime Minister,) economic (activities of big corporations) and social (issues of freedom and liberty.) Given that, it is not surprising that people are increasingly asking questions about the nature and quality of political leadership. Both Donald Trump and Boris Johnson face not just major domestic political crisis, the former an impeachment enquiry (click here for details) and the latter Brexit, but also, open and vociferous challenges to the nature and style of their leadership. Both their approaches to that highest office of state, the Office of President and position of Prime Minister, is so distinctive that they both represent a stark break with the past. In addition, both men seem like ‘lightening rods,’ when it comes to attracting controversy, when dealing with women. Donald Trump’s’, are well known and legion (for details click here.) Boris Johnson, has similarly faced criticisms in this area - earlier on this week Boris Johnson was accused of 'groping' a woman at an event (for more info - click here), he allegedly, put his hand on a lady’s thigh 20 years ago. Whatever one makes of the allegations, he appeared to brush them off – unsurprising, given the serious political crisis in which he is currently embroiled – namely Brexit. It seems however – he faces a far greater threat with the continuing Brexit saga and the prospect of the legality of his actions, once again coming before the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom – whose President is Lady Hale. On this theme my attention was drawn to another article which referred to both Donald Trump and Boris Johnson - titled - There's nothing more satisfying than watching Donald Trump and Boris Johnson be taken down by older women.' – The article provocatively begins - “…the guy who traded in wives as if they were auto leases is having his impeachment being led by a 79-year-old pantsuit-wearing feminist — and the man who misled the Queen into letting him suspend Parliament is being censured by a 74-year-old brooch-wearer from the wrong side of the tracks..” The ‘79 year old pantsuit wearing feminist,’ is Democratic leader – Nancy Pelosi. Nancy Pelosi – formally entered Congress in 1987 – she became the first female Democratic leader of the House of Representatives and the first female speaker of the House – she has been a solid member of Congress – throughout the last 5 presidencies prior to Donald Trump (click for details.) The ‘74-year-old-brooch-wearer from the wrong side of the tracks..' (to read how Lady Hale got her 'brooch wearer' name click here) is none other than Baroness Lady Hale – who became the first and only woman in the Supreme court – and the first woman to be appointed President of the Supreme Court in England and Wales in 2017. Unlike, probably many of her male colleagues, Lady Hale – famously studied for her bar exams whilst teaching as a lecturer – and working in a pub – achieving the top results for her year in the bar finals. - (read more about Lady Hale here.) As I read the article, certain things struck me, these two clearly powerful women in male dominated societies – currently at the centre of major constitutional crises, in two different major western powers. Both women are septuagenarians - Lady Hale, 74 (UK) and Nancy Pelosi, 79 (US.) The exploitative sexualisation of women, has been an important aspect of disempowering us, as we then ultimately become viewed as ‘objects’ and our views and opinions can then be easily marginalised or trivialized. ‘Septuagenarian Matriarchs,’ – Grandmothers who know how ‘to suck eggs,’ - wielding the office of State, Legislative and Judicial power - cannot be so easily dismissed! – The Donald Trump Impeachment Inquiry and Britain’s Brexit woes are likely to continue and dominate the political landscape of both the US and UK respectively, these are seismic political events, which have the ability to cause serious and catastrophic damage to both societies. Whatever happens, both will cause lasting change to the body politic. Donald Trump and Boris Johnson – you can be sure will never be the same following their encounters with these women. They will be changed at all levels and perhaps most importantly for both of them, as individuals at the ‘psychological level.’ Hopefully both developing in ‘Wisdom’ - as they develop and perhaps change, in their perception and attitudes towards women. It shall be interesting to watch as this global political drama unfolds – more ‘Matriarchs' to appear? – who knows, but we eventually, shall know. In just these encounters alone - what happens – when ‘girly swots’ become ‘Women of Power?!’ REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, VIDEOS ETC To view the contents of this index – click on the subject of interest below. ALPHABETICAL ORDER
D David Cameron & 'Old Etonions' - David Cameron Defends Appointing More Old Etonians, 'William Hague Is From Yorkshire' - Gove attacks 'preposterous' number of Old Etonians in Cameron's cabinet B Boris Johnson - Boris Johnson Is Facing Allegations That He Groped Women and Misused Public Funds. Here's What to Know - Insights... ‘big girl’s blouse’, ‘girly swot’? The prime minister should choose his insults more carefully D Donald Trump - List of Trump's accusers and their allegations of sexual misconduct - Trump Impeachment Inquiry | The Guardian L Lady Hale - Baroness Hale Biography | First 100 Years - Lady Hale: a career of breaking barriers in the judiciary (24-Sep2019)- - Say it with a brooch: what message was Lady Hale's spider sending? N Nancy Pelosi - Nancy Pelosi - U.S. Representative - Biography R References to other articles, videos etc related to the article - About Brexit Index - Words Matter T Trump & Boris V Lady Hale & Nancy Pelosi - Supreme court chief’s jibe at PM: let’s hear it for the girly swots - There's nothing more satisfying than watching Donald Trump and Boris Johnson be taken down by older women (5-Oct2019) - Spider woman takes down Hulk: Viewers transfixed by judge’s brooch as ruling crushes PM (24-Sep2019) U UK - Britain is run by a self-serving clique. That’s why it’s in crisis (5-Jul2019)
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