Woman Leader

“During the morning audience, ministers and soothsayers deciphered the oracle and translated these characters: “DIVINE MOTHER ON THIS EARTH, THROUGH HER, THE EMPEROR’S REIGN SHALL BE PROSPEROUS AND EVERLASTING.” For the first time since the world sprang forth from Chaos, the gods were identifying a woman as the human sovereign! The news spread throughout the Empire, and letters of congratulation fell around me like snowflakes: “Your Majesty has pursued the former Sovereign’s unfinished work. Her endeavor and her humility have touched the gods. That is why this divine writing has been sent to the world for the third time since civilization began…as a representative of the female element in us, Your Majesty is invested with male strength, The union of these two opposites has produced the great harmony now enjoyed by our ten thousand kingdoms. That is why Heaven has appointed her Mistress of all people.”” (236)

This passage summarizes Empress Wu's justification in creating a new dynasty under her, a woman's, rule. In the last post I mentioned how women were only seen as baby machines. But as the story progresses it is amazing how Empress Wu gains more and more power. Many people in the court are very traditional, and as tradition goes, only men can be come the supreme ruler. In this case, what is believed to be a message from the gods makes it so all those who follow tradition can't help but allow a great change like this occur? This reminds me of the current presidential election that we have right now. Hillary Clinton has a shot at being president, which would be history in the makings, because she would be the first female President. Some people, both men and women, doubt her ability to be president because she is a woman. How do you feel about having a woman leader? Do you think that their "emotions" would get the best of them?