If you spent time online last week, then you probably saw the uproar the New York Times caused with their “Did Women Ruin the Workplace” headline, which they quickly revised to “Did Liberal Feminism Ruin the Workplace?” when the backlash hit hard. But I'm not here to debate the article itself. Instead, I want to expose the more sinister issue it reveals: how the words we use shape the dangerous narratives about women.
This isn't about one article's argument, but a textbook case of how language frames the narrative around women's progress. The headlines, even in question form, immediately casts women as a destructive force in a space they once were excluded from. It’s a powerful example of what linguists call "framing," where language sets the terms of the debate itself.
The initial NYT headline, by posing that specific question, tapped into this deep well of linguistic bias. It didn't just report on a trend; it reinforced a centuries-old story that frames women's presence as the problem, rather than critiquing the workplace structures that have failed to evolve.
The words chosen are never neutral. They build the architecture of our conversation, and when it comes to women at work, that architecture is often designed to assign blame, not find solutions.
Uber is FINALLY catching onto something important: women are essential customers. This isn't just good ethics; it's sharp business. Women drive up to 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions, from everyday goods to major services.
Companies that fail to prioritize the needs, safety, and preferences of women are ignoring the single largest consumer cohort in the world. The message is clear: designing for and marketing to women isn't a niche strategy, it's a fundamental business imperative.
But, you already knew this. 😉
Women are just built better. Literally.
Women possess a stronger immune system, due to genetic and hormonal advantages. This makes them more resilient to infections but also more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. Historically, medical research has overlooked these differences. Recognizing them is now leading to better, sex-specific treatments for cancer, vaccines, and other conditions.
Melinda Gates deploys $250M for women’s health.
Two P-words. One roof.
Call it what it is, this is predatory.
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