Opinion: Baerbock's New Role: Is a 44-year-old Female Politician Still Considered Obsolete?
- By Clara Suchy
- + - 3 Min
Fresh appointment for Baerbock: A woman is not outdated at 44 years old - Promoted Career for Baerbock: A 44-year-old Female Escapes Label of "Exit Personality"
Germany's foreign policy leader, Annalena Baerbock, steps onto the global stage with her appointment as chair of the United Nations General Assembly. A move that virtually explodes in the political scene of Berlin.
Originally, the job was earmarked for seasoned diplomat Helga Schmid, who has been the hidden force behind Germany's diplomatic representation for decades. What unfolds is a storm — Baerbock, a self-proclaimed champion of feminist foreign policy, ironically ousting a woman from her post to secure the position herself. Controversy, you say?
If Baerbock were a man, the uproar would be minimal
When feminist ideology becomes the driving force behind foreign policy, it seems inconsistent to use the same philosophy to displace a female diplomat. Baerbock's ambition, served as a cannon fodder when she's a woman, becomes a commendable trait if she were a man taking the same action.
One senses a double standard at work here. The criticism is not unjustified, for power is not given, it is seized, and strategically so. Schmid, the experienced powerhouse of German diplomacy, surely realizes this game of power. The resentment might be personal, but it's a part of the political arena. If women wish to rise through the ranks, they must play by these rules too.
Gender bias in plain sight
The outcry against Baerbock magnifies the ongoing gender bias in politics. Her past statement about stepping back from politics to spend more time with her family is now weaponized against her. Overlooking the fact that her children will move with her to New York, and her decision to accept the UN post likely means less work than being Minister of Foreign Affairs. The logic escapes us.
Baerbock's move is anything but haphazard. It showcases a keen understanding of the double standards women face in the political world. The truth is, winning the game of charm may take you far, but not all the way to the top. Men have known this for ages. It's high time women gained this realization too.
- Annalena Baerbock
- Helga Schmid
- Germany
- Christoph Heusgen
- Christian Lindner
- Bijan Djir-Sarai
- AA
Enrichment Data:The criticism surrounding Annalena Baerbock's potential appointment as chair of the UN General Assembly stems from a combination of factors, including:
- Relevant Criticisms:
- Lack of Diplomatic Experience: Critics like Christoph Heusgen argue that Baerbock lacks the extensive diplomatic background and experience that a role like this typically requires, especially when compared to figures like Helga Schmid[2][3].
- Party Political Considerations: The decision to nominate Baerbock over Schmid has been viewed as a political move rather than a purely merit-based choice, which has drawn criticism[2][5].
- Gender-Related Perceptions:
- While not explicitly stated as the primary reason for criticism, gender might play a subtle role. Social and media narratives may carry weight due to gendered stereotypes or biases in how qualifications and actions are perceived.
- Political Context:
- Germany's recent political landscape, including elections and shifts in government formation, significantly impact the criticism Baerbock faces. The nomination may be seen as part of a larger political strategy or shift in German foreign policy[2][3].
In summary, while gender might subtly influence the social and media narrative surrounding Baerbock's nomination, the primary criticisms are grounded in concerns about her diplomatic experience and the political context of her nomination.
- The Commission's assertion that Baerbock's feminist foreign policy will be effectively implemented is questionable, given the controversy surrounding her displacement of diplomat Helga Schmid from the UN General Assembly position.
- Inconsistency lies in the fact that Baerbock's ambition, when displayed as a woman, is criticized, while, if she were a man, it would have been considered commendable.
- The Commission's policies, designed to promote gender equality, appear to fall short when biases like those demonstrated in the Baerbock-Schmid case are not addressed, magnifying the ongoing gender bias in politics.
