Edward
S. Brown III
The Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute
defines "charisma" as the creating of illusions to impact
the emotions and psyche of others through the use of flair, finesse
and glib language. The idea of the charming and engaging individual
takes on different dimensions when applied to males and females. The
difference is analogous to a fragrance smelling different on a man
than on a woman. Such contrasts beg the question as to whether men
and women can be equally charismatic. A man characterized as suave
and debonair may be seen as charismatic. Where similar traits characterized
by a woman might be deemed sexy, sultry or scintillating. But is this
charisma? If not, charisma is either a term reserved strictly for men
or the definition has to be expanded to encompass the differences in
expression of both genders. A key point to note is that a person may
not be generally accepted as charismatic when he or she crosses the
gender line for expression. For example, charisma is often viewed as
imparting the gender traits within its definition and does not necessarily
allow for men to take on traits deemed feminine and vice versa. Terms
such as flamboyant, outlandish or ostentatious might apply, but charisma
is arguable.
In
viewing this hypothesis of charisma being gender specific, under the
terms of Core Edge's definition, women can be charismatic, but it manifests
itself differently than that that of men. In a patriarchal society, the
traits deemed charismatic are often attributed to men, but the idea that
women may take on similar traits and not tarnish their femininity should
be accepted. The singer Madonna reportedly exhibited traits believed
to be masculine in her ascension to stardom. She was focused, brusque,
ruthless and committed based on biographical accounts. It was her unorthodox
approach that aided her success which defined her charisma. To say that
a learned behavior cannot apply to a particular gender would create the
slippery slope of discrimination. But we would be naive not to observe
the differences in expression. If we are referring to the illusory aspects
of interpersonal communication which charisma imparts, could we suggest
that men are apt to create illusions that connect; whereas women are
less inclined to demonstrate similar proclivities? Again, we would have
to expand its definition merely for inclusionary purposes. While Denzel
Washington, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Smits may be deemed charismatic, they
exhibit it differently. The same would be true for Janet Jackson, Jennifer
Lopez and Julia Roberts.
Is
charisma equally distributed among the sexes? Based on our analysis,
charisma is subjective and intangible. It can be compared to being physically
attractive. If enough people believe that you are attractive then you
are deemed attractive. However, how charisma plays out is often deemed
more masculine within a male dominated society. It is no accident that
it may be easier to randomly recall men who are deemed charismatic than
women. Often there may be a general consensus when naming men, but when
it comes to women, we may have to ponder a little longer in our listing.
The term has not been traditionally used to describe women. As the role
of women has drastically changed, the dynamics that create charisma would
naturally level the playing field to encompass personal expression in
this arena also.
The onslaught of the philosophy of charisma has created excitement for both
sexes. The discussion, up until recently, was null and void. It was not
and could not be seen as a legitimate philosophy when there wasn't any
serious studies on the subject. Now that the discussion has begun, it
becomes even more interesting for both genders to utilize this new information
in the realm of marketing as a competitive tool. Those who use charisma
to separate themselves from competitors as well as seek personal fulfillment
will have the advantage and ultimately end up redefining it-whether male
or female.
Ed
Brown is a Principal of The Core Edge Image and Charisma Institute, Inc.
Contact Ed at ed@core-edge.com.
|