January 2016 has been a month of loss in the entertainment industry. Glenn Frey, Dan Haggerty, and the iconic David Bowie are among the lights lost at the start of this year. David Bowie’s passing is perhaps the most impactful to generations of music lovers around the world, not only because of his music but because of who he was.
Today, we have entertainers like Lady Gaga, Prince, and even yes Jayden Smith who challenge gender stereotypes but David Bowie was among the entertainment pioneers who made it OK to be different.
Speaker, mentor and author Betty-Ann Heggie found David Bowie’s legacy a timely topic in her January newsletter. In it she said:
“For many years in my corporate career I was the lonely woman manager in a male dominated business. That gave me an opportunity to observe the stereotypes experienced by both men and women. For example, women were not to be asking direct questions of men in meetings and men were to act tough and resilient, even if they wanted to reach out for reassurance. Although I knew this wasn’t who any of us truly were, or how we wanted to handle things, there was a big discrepancy between the real person and the pressure we felt to follow the societal expected behaviours.
This helped form the basis of my Gender Physics theory, which says both men and women have masculine and feminine energy in them and it is to our advantage to use the most appropriate energy given the situation, venue or audience. I’m happy to say that after writing and speaking about this for nearly a decade the latest research on the brain backs up my anecdotal evidence.”
You can read more of Betty Ann Heggie’s thoughts on this subject in her latest blog post, “Create New Opportunities by Expanding Your Gender Palette”.
Think of some of the most powerful people in not only the entertainment industry but beyond. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, is a woman who, while a trailblazer for women everywhere, certainly demonstrates some masculine energy. In 2016 more than ever, we’re able to embrace both our masculine and feminine energies, no matter your gender, and use it to our advantage. And we have people like David Bowie to credit for that acceptance, even if at the time he had no idea his impact.
This month, we’re asking you to think back to a time when you stepped out of a stereotype to your advantage. It isn’t always easy, but the results are well worth that step. One of our readers is going to win $100 PayPal to celebrate YOU!
I stepped out of my comfort zone by returning back to school to change careers a few years back.
My stereotype is conservative. The ’80s were a time that many, including myself, stepped out of their “norm” into something different. I looked punk for a short while, to try it out. Definitely made heads turn and it was fun to see other people’s reactions.
i’m usually the in behind the scenes type of person, nothing comes to mind.
I’m not sure if I’m answering this correctly but I step out of a stereotype all the time because I’m Latina and a lot of people can’t tell. I’m very tall and I don’t physically look like what most Americans think Latinos are supposed to look like.
It has worked to my advantage because I often surprise people with my bilingual ability.
I have stepped out of my sterotype as a quiet, shy person to take a volunteer position that requires a leadership role and teaching abilities. It has stretched me in a positive way and I find myself really enjoying this opportunity.
In the 80’s, I loved dressing and doing my hair in crazy punk styles, it fit me well. However, I worked in an automotive company, always having to wear business suits. I would also use temporary dye in my hair in normal shades in order to work. My ability to fit in both worlds, helped me tremendously go far in my job. 🙂
I can’t say I’ve ever experienced a gender stereotypical situation. I was born extremely outspoken and competitive. With my attitude however, I rolled out, or rather took over, another stereotype. “All people in wheelchairs are different.” Well, of coarse we are. In fact, absolutely everyone on the planet is different. My dilemma was “am I different enough?”. Throughout my life, I’ve decorated myself with things that make me, me. I can definitely say I possess both feminine and masculine energies in the person I made me…with pride.
I stepped out of my sterotype by going back in the work field after 15 years I was so scared
I stepped out of my stereotype by overcoming poverty. I was born into it but I attended classes and achieved an associate degree. I’m not rich by far but comfortable.
I was a very young mom and then a stay at home mom to 5 kids for 12 years. I went back into the workforce and used my home life experiences, including 10 years of volunteering, to work my way up the corporate ladder to Executive Assistant to the Preisdent of an established manufacturing company. It was not easy, I was scared and inexperienced coming into the computer age, but I fought and faked my way through it! Bravo to all the brave women above!!
A few years ago I stepped out of my quiet sit back watch everyone else to help with major fund raising for a community centre I was a member of, I took control of reaching out to businesses for help to upgrade our community centres kitchen and the ladies were quite impressed at what I got for the center, we ended up getting appliances and cabinets donated as well as $10,000 a cases of food
I stepped out of my stereotype world by dating someone that I would never date (he was not what I would consider to be “cool” you know the bad boy…boy did I fall hard..we’ve been married 25+ years..I laugh about it all the time..lol
I was in my late teens – early 20’s… I started to wear stylish hats because I just wanted to be me. I was the only one in the gang and I loved it.
When I moved to the Caribbean no one there knew me so I ended up being a completely different person there. It was very refreshing to be whoever I wanted to be and not the person people expected me to be.
I’ve always been pretty outspoken, so one thing come to mind.
I was forced out of my stereotype when my husband passed away & I had to reinvent my life
I don’t think I abide my many stereotypes — it benefits me to be flexible and transcend boundaries of stereotypes every day.
I have always felt fairly comfortable doing as I wanted without fear of how it might be perceived. Glad I wasn’t worrisome about being “too smart” in high school as I ended up getting University scholarships as a result.
I think people consider me quiet and kind but I had to become strong and independent when I became a single parent.
i took a woodworking class, and proved that the sterotypical student in that class is not just boys!
At work I stepped out of stereotype by speaking up more.
I stepped out of a stereotype by going to commercial pilot school…although I didn’t end up following a career as a pilot, it was such a great experience (and a useful talent!)
I always step out of a stereotype when working. I’m pretty outspoken and when working I’m a quieter person.
Hmmm… I can be quite shy and quiet around new people. Many times while working in computer/IT (a predominantly male dominated field), I have had to “earn respect” from the guys by proving to them that I was interested and familiar with a lot of techie subjects. It’s sad because I have encountered the “old-fashioned” men who think if you’re female you must be the receptionist/secretary. Nothing against those women… I just mean those type of men peg women as not being able to try working in other areas that compete with the men.
I don’t think I ever have… but I’d like to think that one day I will. I guess I need a lot of motivation and time preparing myself for the change.
I stepped out of the stereotype that woman are not strong; I carried a bed frame up 3 flights of stairs on my own (without injury) to save shipping costs 🙂
I’ve never stepped out of my stereotype as far as I can recall.
When I was younger I wanted to play sports, I loved them all. I wanted to play baseball but all the boys on the team said you can’t play, you’re a girl! I played anyways!
I can’t say that I have ever stepped out of my sterotype. Throughout the years I have had to deal with ongoing health issues and I think that has kept me pretty status quo – not much time to focus on much other than getting back/maintaining my health.
I stepped out of my sterotype of shy,non-spoken to a out-spoken leader whenever the need araises
A couple of years ago I got my head shaved, it was to raise money for a charity. It was kind of weird having hardly any hair for awhile, and yes I got weird looks from people, but I didn’t care, it was for a good cause.
Growing up I just wanted to be a mom and stay home to raise my children. I did get a post secondary education and continued it after marriage. I was able to stay home with my children for a few years but then found myself in the position of being the provider for my children. I had to work outside my home and it was not as I had always planned so it took me out of my comfort zone. Although I enjoyed my job I would rather have stayed home with my children.
I Put on my own house addition a and saved cost.
Insyead of staying home with my kids I decided to go back to work early.
I’m a French Teacher that rides dirt bikes and races motorcycles. Certainly helps break the ice with my students!
I AM BASICALLY A SHY AND QUIET PERSON BUT NOW WITH A FAMILY OF 4 I AM TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
I am not an “out there” type of person at all. I don’t enjoy speaking up in large crowds of people or being pushy or confrontational. So last summer when I signed up to be an Origami Owl designer .. I surprised myself and a whole lot of other people! It’s not my type of a role at all, but I decided that I needed to step out of my comfort zone. Although it has not taken off very well in my small town, it has been good for me to try something new and get out more often to socialize.
Fashion is one way I stepped out of a stereotypical role- by not letting others define me.
I can’t say I’ve ever stepped out of a stereotypical role aside from not being scared of sharing my opinions within the workplace.
I don’t think I’ve really stepped out of a stereo typical rOle but I hope I will at some point
I am really shy and afraid of speaking in public but I did step out of my shell at a Marriage Retreat. I just felt compelled to speak for my husband and I.
Being a junior female in science, stepping out of stereotype is the only way to be heard!
My experience stepping out of a stereotype was with lifting weights. I became really strong, gained confidence, increased health and lean muscle. I trained for 6 months and ate a super clean diet. I set goals and dedicated myself to new habits and it felt great!
nothing really pops up in my head at the moment
When I moved to a new town in search of a new job when everyone told me I couldn’t.
I stepped out of my stereotype when I became the first person in my family to graduate university 😉
Can’t say that I’ve stepped out my stereotype
Most people who know me thought I was a stereotypical needy housewife like something out of the 50’s; I didn’t have my own money or a job, all I did was stay home, cook & raise the kids. When things turned bad in my marriage they all thought I’d never be able to leave my husband, that I wouldn’t be able to achieve being independent on my own with my kids. Instead I did leave that terrible situation & have been absolutely successful on my own.
By being friendlier in a place of work where the reputation was not great
Nothing really comes to mind… I don’t believe in sterotypes or stereotyping. I am just who I am and I’m quite honest about that with everyone.
I have always been an independent, out of the box type person, I never thought I was a sterotype.
I am perceived as a burnout as I have many tattoos and blue hair. I step out of that stereotype everyday.
I stepped out of a stereotype when I moved from a more conservative society in Kenya to a more modern and liberal society in Canada. I have been pushed to work towards my dreams and not let “getting married and having kids” be the goal and objective of my life. I now have a graduate degree and a husband who loves me in my new outgoing self.
I spent time in sewing class fixing machines rather than using them.
I stepped out of a stereotype when I bought my first four wheel drive vehicle and learned I could go anywhere.
I ride quads and dirt bikes and I love it! 🙂
I stepped out of my stereotype when I learnt how to drive the farm machinery and started working beside my Husband in a male dominant world.
I have always dressed very girly but have always enjoyed the more masculine things like video games, sports, and skateboarding!
I get stereotyped as a quiet, submissive, female all the time. I even get random strangers saying “Good girl” to me when they approve of what I do (e.g. move along quickly on a stairway and don’t block their way even though I’m just doing it for myself because I got places to go)! Its because I’m skinny and short too. People who know me, know that I’m anything but quiet and compliant and it helps me a lot in my job just being myself. I get promoted because I let my competency be known and do not shy away from problems.
I proved that even with few food resources we can have fun party, no need to buy so much food to enjoy time together.
I’m a hockey lover! but I think that might come with being Canadian, lol
I was sterotyped as a tough girl in grade/high school but really wasn’t, I was just shy!! Getting older, I’ve been able to work that characteristic into my personality but in a positive way. Iam a really great friend who listens and gives no nonsense advice!
I am stereotyped because i am quite tiny – people assume I am quiet and have no opinion but that’s not true at all. When I assert myself and make my position known I feel great and people respect me more for it.
I have stepped out of my sterotype as a quiet, shy person to a more outgoing person!
My family never thought I would be a fatherly type but I have 3 kids and were pregnant again, for the first time my mom complimented me about what a good dad I have become.
I stepped out of my stereotype by overcoming an abusive marriage. Put myself through school
I totally got aggressive when pursuing my husband. I never ever do that.
I stepped out of my stereotype when I decided to go into animation and not into business.
i’m kind of mr mom around here, i make dinner and do most of the cleaning but it works best with our schedules and family life
I like surprising people, by being tougher than I look, more independent and resourceful. Moving our whole family across the world has certainly showed a different side of me!
When I became myself in high school, had the whole studded jewlery, black hair, total reject style…loved it and felt comfortable.
Everyone thought we’d never have kids but we just had #2 and are a happy family!!
I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum. It was tough, at times, to be myself and not give in to peer pressure in high school and university, but I’ve always loved how independent and empowered I am. Now I run my own business and am loving it.
I would probably have to say that me stepping out of my stereotype as a “stay at home mom of three girls, hair up dressed in sweats” happens when I go out with my hubby. Sometimes- thankfully- people don’t believe I’ve had three kids! Although these bags under my eyes beg to differ…
As I got older, I discovered that being intelligent wasn’t the curse I once thought it was…
um, don’t know what kind of stereotype i’d even fit into
I often step out of my gender stereotypes. One that works to my advantage is strength training. I like to lift weights and it has made me stronger and since my son is now interested in it as well, it has created a bond between us.
I started my own business when I was very young. I did it and succeeded in spite of (or maybe because of) myself.
I got a good job straight out of college and everyone else in the company thought maybe my parents pulled some strings to get me the job, but I proved them wrong by working extremely hard and succeeding in my position. From then on, I had respect from my peers.
It worked to my advantage a few times when I was still working. In those days (late 60’s & early 70’s) they were not expecting women to have ambition & a desire to get ahead.
I stepped out by becoming the bread winner, allowing hubby to remain at home. It really works well for us.
I stepped out of stereotypes by becoming the leader in a male driven industry.
It helped me get my job because I don’t match the quiet and subdued stereotype of my profession and I was told I was hired to bring some life into the place! 🙂
Moving to Europe by myself after university!
Ps..Angela Merkel is a trailblazer in the strength of world leadership….totally agree!
I can’t say I’ve ever experienced a gender stereotypical situation.
I really cant remember if this has ever happened to me.
Is usually wrong as we are all different
Stepping out of my stereotype that worked to my advantage when at age 17 I moved to a new city where I knew noone, in order to pursue my dream. I learned a lot and I have no regrets.
I stepped out of my comfort zone going back to work part time after years of being a stay at home mom. Raising 2 special needs kids was my life 24/7 and I needed to take some “me” time and socialize. This was the best decision ever.
I would say at work – my clients see me as I present myself but when I need to, I can step out of the persona and stand up for myself.
Taking years off of school, had children and went back now working in a hospital. It was hard but I did it!
I became a #Girlboss and have never looked back
I have anxiety and it has crippled me quite a bit these last few years. I am stepping out of the sterotype by getting help and pushing my own limits