Corky's mother tells her that as an adult, "you've got to have people like you to do anything as a woman." What do you make of this statement? Was this true in the 1960s? Is it true today?

Corky's mother tells her that as an adult, "you've got to have people like you to do anything as a woman." What do you make of this statement? Was this true in the 1960s? Is it true today?

Certainly that was true in the 1960's and sadly, I think it is true now. A good example of this is (not to get political but...) the election of 2016. While on paper Hilary Clinton may have been the most knowledgeable candidate, she was not a likable candidate. Of course neither was her opponent but Hilary was a woman and people have to like you if you are a woman. I think any woman competing in any field today needs to be likable to succeed whereas men don't seem to have that burden.

It was very true in the 1960s. Today, maybe not so much but a woman still will not get as far if she is not liked. But I do also think a woman today can be more forceful in presenting herself. But she still has to be relatable and somewhat likeable.

I agree with the previous answers. I also think most of us prefer working with or for someone we like. It’s a challenge to be strong, competent but likable in the workplace and get the job done.

I agree that a woman is judged more on being likable than a man is. It has more of an impact on her success. She still has to have the abilities to perform her job at a good level, sometimes better than a man is doing. I think the situation is improving Anas women are being judged and rewarded more fairly.

I certainly think woman are taught to be pleasant at all times even in a position of power. Men are taught to be direct even if it hurts a person. As a society not much has changed on the expectations of how women should behave--they need to please people to get ahead.

It in may have been true in the 1960s, but I'd like to think it isn't necessarily true today. It's a nice thought that you need to be liked to do anything, male or female or "they." The truth is you can't always be liked, but you can be appreciated for your efforts or for the good you are doing. Many people disliked Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, but they accomplished a great deal. Women, people of color, LGBT and others may need to be liked in order to get anywhere, but it should NOT be that way. Sadly, as we look around we know it is true. It saddens me.

True then and true now. Women aren't treated as equals to men in our society and in many societies they are truly repressed. Sad.

In the 1960's it was more often the case the role of women was found in the home though women did attend college and perhaps worked in a store or other family business. Today, women still need to be more pleasant and friendly then men to succeed but have more opportunities if they are determined and willing to work hard.

It was very true in the 60s, Unfortunately, it is still today. Women are still not equal to men. Even though it states that they are on paper, it is not in reality. Women are judged on their appearance and smile.

I agree with all those who say that it was true in the sixties and still true today. I do think there are times it is less true now, as women are represented more fully in the professional world. But it seems to me that women are always expected to have the social skills of getting along with everyone while there is sometimes less expectation of that for men.

Like others I agree it was true and remains so now. A successful man can be strong willed, outspoken etc. but if a woman displays those qualities she is criticized.

Like others I agree it was true and remains so now. A successful man can be strong willed, outspoken etc. but if a woman displays those qualities she is criticized.

In the 1960’s, I would absolutely agree with that statement. I married young in 1966 and could not apply for credit in my name. Women did not have many rights and opportunities during that era.
Today, it is different for me personally and some other women but I do believe that some other women of different races still have many challenges.

It was truer in the 60s, but it is still true today. Men can get away with not being likable and still succeed. That is not usually true for women. There are exceptions; it is a generalization, but I think it is generally true that women must first be likable before they can succeed.

I think women had to be likable in the 60's. Most of them had to ask men for their agreement. If a woman argued, it was unladylike. Strong women have become more accepted now......Michelle Obama for one. She is also a black woman. She is accepting of many groups of people who are different than she is. She is incredible. But at this time, it's still not equal regarding men and women. Why, after 50 years, do women again not have a say regarding their own body? I never thought that this would happen. I'm glad that I am the age I am now, because the equality of women to men may be going backwards. Along with other minority groups. Sad.

I agree with robertaw and terriej. You have to place "nice" in mans world. Still do not make the same money for the same job.

While this is probably more true for women, it also is a factor in everyone's success. We are a lot more forgiving of people we like.

There is an axiom in Human Resources that the most common reason people get fired (no matter what the "given" reason) is that the boss doesn't like them.