Margaret Thatcher

Yes, two posts in in a row like this?? However yesterday we lost a driving powerful female force and I simply cannot have this pass unmentioned. I know the press will go ape shit scray cray over but I wanted to throw my own two cents in the wring.

Margaret Thatcher was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century and even more amazing is that she is the only woman to have held the post. Known as the 'Iron Lady' for her uncompromising politics and leadership style, she held office in what was formally the boys club and implemented polices that were known as Thatcherism.

Margaret was originally a research chemist before becoming a barrister, and later was elected Member of Parliament for Finchley in 1959. I know that most of my posts are reflective of food and other such frivolities as I meander through a 1st world problem kind of life (which I readily admit I am thankful for. Deeply deeply thankful for). But sometimes there is something that needs to be said/posted whatever that deserves the respect of everyone. This is one of those things and I am about to get up on a soapbox here. A soapbox that you should join me on. Did you read what I just wrote? Ms. Thatcher was elected Member of Parliament for Finchley in 1959. Again, 1959. Do you know what it was like for women back in that time? Certainly not like it is now. For the most part sexism, harassment, abuse and women not being given at least some respect. Basically, these ads below sum up the attitude to woman in 1950s

Later, Edward Heath appointed her Secretary of State for Education and Science in 1970 government. A scant 5 years later in 1975 Thatcher defeated Heath in the Conservative Party leadership election to become Leader of the Opposition and became the first woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom. She became Prime Minister after winning the 1979 general election. She had been called many things but none stuck as well as the 'Iron Lady'.  Ms. Thatcher overcome a sexist, misogynistic time frame and rose far above it. In the process she blazed a trail for little girls to hope for more than a hoover vacuum for Christmas or a man to take care of her. She inspired woman to become their own person, to have strength and dignity while maintaining their femininity. This was a rare quality that was taught and is still being cultivated today, the ability for a woman to retain her ladylike qualities but learning to be successful in (lets face it) a man's world.

I think Ms.Thatcher was unfairly painted at times. It must have been difficult to be a woman in a world where one had to balance both raising a family and having a career. She was painted as a woman who wouldn't budge, who was stubborn and who unmoving. But woman have to be at times. We are fighting an uphill battle. We fight for respect every where we go. Because one has breasts, there is a certain amount of worth one has to prove at times. Its not fair but its also ignorant to assume that this isn't the case. Ms.Thatcher is an inspiration to all.

 

Ms. Thatcher spoke one of my favorite quotes of all time....

 

“Watch your thoughts for they become words.
Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions for they become habits.
Watch your habits for they become your character.
And watch your character for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become."

One should live by these phrases.