"Ways to Silence A Woman" - excerpt from The Creative Fire

(by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.)

Say

We're saying the same thing, don't you see?

Say

Don't question. Just have faith.

Say

Don't defy my authority. If you want to pass, do it the way I tell you.

Say

Your ideas are seductive.

Say Your ideas are dangerous.

Say

It's too disgusting. It's not done. It's too immature. Not well thought out.

Say

You're overreacting.

Say

You're being too emotional.

Say

You're not making any sense.

Say

I can't understand you when you're upset.

Say

I can't listen when you're so angry.

Say

You missed the point.

Say

Well really we're talking about something else.

Say

That's a wild idea. And then talk about your own work.

Say

That's not practical.

Say

That's grandiose.

Say

No one will do it, believe it, or follow you.

Say

No one will want it.

Say

No one wants to listen to that.

Say

It's a closed system. You can't change it.

Say

They'll ignore you. They'll forget it. It's already been done. It's not time. It's not the right year. Who do you think you are? No one can predict the future.

Say

I didn't have it any better than you so stop whining.

Say

I put up with it so you'll have to too.

Say

I've suffered for a long time and can't stand to hear you.

Say

You're not ready.

Say

I'll help you, but then don't.

Say

I'll invite you, but then don't.

Say

I'll pave the way, but then destroy her message.

Say

I'll open the door, and then shut it in her face.

Say

I'll help you if you write it the way I want you to.

Say

We'll include you, but then forget to.

Say

We'll talk about it, but never talk about it. When you are confronted, make excuses.

Say you are tired. You are busy. You are overwhelmed.

To give her voice?

Just two words.

Tell me.