Deemer, Candy, Nancy Fredricks.   Dancing on the Glass Ceiling.  

Chapter 2 "Know Yourself and Your Destination"

Candy Deemer, author of "Know Yourself and Your Destination" from the book, Dancing on the Glass Ceiling, explains how many women are compelled to choose careers based on preconceived notions dealing with economics and power, and should instead chose a career based on desires and happiness.   According to Deemer, she feels that there are three important criteria to consider that impact one's career:   defining values, heart's purpose, and activating vision. (Deemer 16).     These three areas deal with overall happiness and content in life.   The author tells a story of a woman working in business who was not dedicated to her work.   The woman reflected on her life and found that she was not content working in the business world; thus she found another career (Deemer, 24, 25).   This work is feminist in nature because it deals with making a choice for oneself instead of conforming to a norm or stereotypical standard of society.   Many women may feel as though they must embark on a career because it is "good for women" or "safe" however, this article negates that notion in that it states that one should do what the heart desires.   This piece would be very useful to anyone considering a change in career, or for someone who has just graduated from high school. - J.H.

This heartwarming and almost trite piece encourages every woman that all she needs to do to succeed is figure out her priorities. The goal of this article, to encourage self- reflection to determine career and personal goals, is a worthwhile objective to explore in the college classroom as many do not have any clue as to what to do with themselves after graduation. The limitation of the article is the means it encourages.   Dreaming is a good place to begin, but one does have to act also. The article fails to offer any suggestions of how to make your dreams to come true, or how to deal with life if your dreams are not playing out the way you thought they would. - L.P.

"What's So Powerful About Feminine Leadership?"

Candy Deemer argues that women should use both "masculine" and "feminine" traits to get ahead in the business world.   She states, "To become a true leader in life and in your organization, you must honor the natural rhythms that exist within you.   For women, these rhythms have a distinctively feminine tone; they are the foundations of our success, fulfillment, and joy" (Deemer 1).   Deemer acknowledges that these traits are stereotypical (Deemer 1-3), however, then she contradicts herself when she states that women must use these "feminine" traits along with "masculine" traits in order to succeed.   Deemer explains a scenario in which a woman tries to become partner in a law firm by becoming "masculine" therefore, aggressive.   This woman completes all of her paperwork alone, and does not make contact and connections with any other employees at her firm.   The woman's boss does not promote her, and the author argues that this is because she did not use her "feminine" traits.   This personal narrative is stereotypical and presents only one side to the issue.   Deemer offers no other solutions except to strike a balance between masculine and feminine traits.   Further questions to consider for an additional article are, 'What deems something as 'mascline' or 'feminine' in the workplace, and is it necessary to become 'mascline' or 'feminine' in order to succeed in a career?'

Deemer writes in her article that women need both "masculine" and "feminine" traits to get ahead in the business world.   Without realizing it, she has ventured into complex issues by simply making this suggestion.   First, she fails to rethink of what is the essence of woman?   This is a question that is still being argued by feminist today like Judith Butler who believes gender is entirely constructed.   Next, Deemer makes the mistake of naming; she distinguishes traits as either masculine or feminine.   It reflects back on her first mistake of not thoroughly looking at the identity of woman.   For, the identity of woman may not be a simple matter easy to categorize.   -N.S.