Speech Lessons

Soraya Chemaly has an interesting look at speech dominance by men in society -- e.g., interrupting, simultaneously talking, and dismissing opinions in conversation -- and how it serves to enforce gender stereotypes for women as less informed, less confident, and lacking ideas.  As she notes,

"Socialized male speech dominance is a significant issue, not just in school, but everywhere. If you doubt me, sit quietly and keep track of speech dynamics at your own dinner table, workplace, classroom. In the school bus, the sidelines of fields, in places of worship. It's significant and consequential."

Chemaly says women can fight back beginning at an early age by learning ten words:

"Stop interrupting me,"

"I just said that," and

"No explanation needed."

Good advice for girls, and something the boys would do well to take heed of.

UPDATE:  Right on cue, here's what the fight is all about, courtesy of the dimbulbs at "Fox & Friends."