“I’m always rather nervous about how you talk about women who are active in politics, whether they want to be talked about as women or as politicians.”
- May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963
- American
- Politician
- As the 35th President of the United States, he overcame the Cuban Missile Crisis and averted nuclear war, and promoted the Apollo program, laying the foundation for American space exploration.
Quote
“I’m always rather nervous about how you talk about women who are active in politics, whether they want to be talked about as women or as politicians.”
Explanation
In this reflective statement, John F. Kennedy touches on the complex dynamics of gender and political representation. He expresses concern about the potential tension between how women in politics are perceived and how they wish to be recognized—either for their gender or for their political roles. Kennedy’s nervousness suggests an awareness of the biases and stereotypes that women often face in politics. The comment reveals a recognition that women who engage in political life may be subjected to additional scrutiny or be judged differently compared to their male counterparts, with their gender sometimes becoming the focus of public attention rather than their policies, competence, or achievements as politicians.
This remark was made during a time when women’s participation in political life was still limited, and their contributions were often minimized or defined by their roles as women rather than their expertise or leadership. Kennedy’s sensitivity to this issue points to the broader challenges women face in navigating professional fields where they are often expected to conform to gendered expectations. The discomfort he expresses can be seen as a recognition of the structural inequalities and biases that were—and still are—prevalent in politics and other professional domains.
In the modern context, this quote remains highly relevant as we continue to see discussions about gender representation in politics. Although women have made significant strides in political leadership, the challenge of being evaluated as politicians first, and not simply as women, persists. This includes the issue of gendered language in political discourse, where women leaders are often subject to different standards or expectations than men. Kennedy’s words remind us of the importance of moving beyond gendered stereotypes and ensuring that women in politics are recognized for their abilities and accomplishments, not just their gender.
