Heidi’s Reviews > Becoming Madam Secretary > Status Update

Chp 47: I was afraid to take this job. Before now I was able to call upon reserves of courage. But this was a fear that I could not grapple with. Not merely a fear of failure a fear of leaving behind a terrible legacy in my wake. Every mistake I make will be used to attack me for getting above my place as a woman. They will blacken my name and sully all of my good work. Why should I open myself up to that?

I know how they will treat the first woman Cabinet member. I won’t be taken as an individual. I’ll be a lightning rod simply because I am a woman. If ever I do anything the least bit out of step, if I make some error about my political responsibilities, there will be a terrible public hysteria about me.

I was afraid to take this job.

F: all my daughter wants in the world is a normal mother.
M: then she should’ve been born to someone else! Do you really want Susanna growing up to believe it is normal for women to play no part in the highest levels of their own government? Would a man, any man, turn down this opportunity?

If I said no, the door might close on other women. Is that reason enough to agree? I cannot go just to be a symbol for women. FDR will have a cabinet full of national figures. Powerful and accomplished men will be vying for his attention and they will edge me out.

Mary: Oh, men have been trying to edge you out your entire life and it hasn’t worked yet.