I find a few things stand out in this article. It amazes me that she was referred to as a bully. I wonder if her male colleagues were ever described as such. I can't decide if this makes me angry or sad. Also, while I can perhaps see an issue with pushing her book sales (I don't think it is an issue but can see how some may take issue); at least it would be fruits of her labour. Unlike other justices who seem to benefit form billionaire friends and lavish gifts. And finally, the small parallels of her and Justice Thomas in respect to affirmative action and how they both evolved into 2 different types of judges. She embraces affirmative action and recognizes its necessity, while Justice Thomas was turned off from it. Fascinating. This was a great read. I love this series so much!
Yes, it would be interesting if after playing her questioning next to a male justice's who could also be considered aggressive, if people labeled both or just her line of questioning that way.
I'm wondering how NPR did it. It would be interesting to play it for a random collection of people and get their responses. And maybe that is how NPR did it!
You've very eloquently describe my exact thoughts after reading this. I'm still wrestling to understand Justice Thomas' reaction to the injustices he faced. As for Judge Sotomayor, as a an assertive Hispanic woman I completely relate with her coming across as a bully where a man would absolutely not get labeled that way.
Thanks Sharon for these bios. Sotomayor's story is quite compelling. I'm most intrigued by the political nature of her story. First nominated to the federal bench by "H.W."(R), then the Circuit court by Clinton (D), and SCOTUS by Obama (D). I think her path to the Supreme Court is an illustration of how 'bipartisanship' used to work--and should continue to work. Unfortunately, I believe those days are behind us.
And, just a note of my own thoughts regarding Affirmative Action. I believe there is evidence that supports an *eventual* overturning by the court. However, I believe that the court acted prematurely. Affirmative Action should have remained on the books unless/until we--as a nation--decided to properly fund public education (which first requires the application of 14th Amendment protections to education) from pre-school through H.S. graduation. Conservatives often tout that "equal opportunity" is available to any/all who are smart, and willing to work for it. Of course, this simply is not true. We simply can't ignore the fact that the opportunities afforded those who live in poverty are severely diminished relative to others. And, the overwhelming majority of those who live in poverty are minorities. However, school funding formulas around the nation consistently favor wealthier neighborhoods. The imbalance in funding creates a system where merit based success is heavily skewed toward wealthier communities. Until the current system of generational wealth driving future success is eliminated--the only remedy is Affirmative Action.
Also, she not only grew up in an educational system that did not prepare her for Ivy League rigors, she also grew up without parental support. The 7-year-old had to give herself shots! The fact that she had the inner strength to not only survive those challenges, but overcome them, and thrive alongside more privileged candidates, proves she is not their equal, but their superior in some measures. I love her assertiveness! I love that she called Obama! I love that she drug the justices onto the dance floor! She has earned the right to be assertive, it is positive, and it is powerful.
I recall the concept of traveling a longer distance to reach a goal discussed in Adam Grant's Hidden Potential. It shows a greater strength of character and determination.
When I was in college and grad school, I was asked many times if I got into the program because I was a woman or Hispanic. My heart aches with the memory of those feelings as I read this article.
As a parent of a type 1 diabetic, I can attest to the difficulty of managing the disease while pursuing a demanding career.. particularly when advances in treatment weren’t yet available to her. It take discipline and dedication. For that reason alone, she is impressive.
What a story! Women have always had to prove themselves, and Sonia Sotomayor, clearly is no different! It's so frustrating that men, mostly, claim that she wasn't smart enough or she was a bully, or only there because of her race! I love these bios of each Justice. Thank you Sharon!
I find a few things stand out in this article. It amazes me that she was referred to as a bully. I wonder if her male colleagues were ever described as such. I can't decide if this makes me angry or sad. Also, while I can perhaps see an issue with pushing her book sales (I don't think it is an issue but can see how some may take issue); at least it would be fruits of her labour. Unlike other justices who seem to benefit form billionaire friends and lavish gifts. And finally, the small parallels of her and Justice Thomas in respect to affirmative action and how they both evolved into 2 different types of judges. She embraces affirmative action and recognizes its necessity, while Justice Thomas was turned off from it. Fascinating. This was a great read. I love this series so much!
The woman sells her own books, the men sell influence, yet the woman is considered equally bad?
Yes, it would be interesting if after playing her questioning next to a male justice's who could also be considered aggressive, if people labeled both or just her line of questioning that way.
NPR did that and decided her questions were no more aggressive than the men’s.
I'm wondering how NPR did it. It would be interesting to play it for a random collection of people and get their responses. And maybe that is how NPR did it!
Yes I was happy to see that! But it irritates me they needed to compare because of initial comments.
You've very eloquently describe my exact thoughts after reading this. I'm still wrestling to understand Justice Thomas' reaction to the injustices he faced. As for Judge Sotomayor, as a an assertive Hispanic woman I completely relate with her coming across as a bully where a man would absolutely not get labeled that way.
Thanks Sharon for these bios. Sotomayor's story is quite compelling. I'm most intrigued by the political nature of her story. First nominated to the federal bench by "H.W."(R), then the Circuit court by Clinton (D), and SCOTUS by Obama (D). I think her path to the Supreme Court is an illustration of how 'bipartisanship' used to work--and should continue to work. Unfortunately, I believe those days are behind us.
And, just a note of my own thoughts regarding Affirmative Action. I believe there is evidence that supports an *eventual* overturning by the court. However, I believe that the court acted prematurely. Affirmative Action should have remained on the books unless/until we--as a nation--decided to properly fund public education (which first requires the application of 14th Amendment protections to education) from pre-school through H.S. graduation. Conservatives often tout that "equal opportunity" is available to any/all who are smart, and willing to work for it. Of course, this simply is not true. We simply can't ignore the fact that the opportunities afforded those who live in poverty are severely diminished relative to others. And, the overwhelming majority of those who live in poverty are minorities. However, school funding formulas around the nation consistently favor wealthier neighborhoods. The imbalance in funding creates a system where merit based success is heavily skewed toward wealthier communities. Until the current system of generational wealth driving future success is eliminated--the only remedy is Affirmative Action.
Also, she not only grew up in an educational system that did not prepare her for Ivy League rigors, she also grew up without parental support. The 7-year-old had to give herself shots! The fact that she had the inner strength to not only survive those challenges, but overcome them, and thrive alongside more privileged candidates, proves she is not their equal, but their superior in some measures. I love her assertiveness! I love that she called Obama! I love that she drug the justices onto the dance floor! She has earned the right to be assertive, it is positive, and it is powerful.
I recall the concept of traveling a longer distance to reach a goal discussed in Adam Grant's Hidden Potential. It shows a greater strength of character and determination.
When I was in college and grad school, I was asked many times if I got into the program because I was a woman or Hispanic. My heart aches with the memory of those feelings as I read this article.
As a parent of a type 1 diabetic, I can attest to the difficulty of managing the disease while pursuing a demanding career.. particularly when advances in treatment weren’t yet available to her. It take discipline and dedication. For that reason alone, she is impressive.
So hard to imagine today a senator telling a President you need more judges that are the opposite of the presidents party. Imagine the uproar.
Is it common for justices to actively campaign for nomination to the Supreme Court?
I was wondering this too!
What a story! Women have always had to prove themselves, and Sonia Sotomayor, clearly is no different! It's so frustrating that men, mostly, claim that she wasn't smart enough or she was a bully, or only there because of her race! I love these bios of each Justice. Thank you Sharon!
This was fantastic. Thank you.
Loving this series of posts on the Justices.
What an inspiration!