Jane Goodall, at 91, Reflects on Early Career Objectification: “Thanks for the Support, Legs!”
- Jane Goodall, aged 91, has stated that she faced objectification from her male colleagues at the beginning of her career.
- “Back then, all I desired was to return to the chimpanzees. So if my legs were earning the income, thanks legs,” she stated.
- Although her experience took place many years back, gender inequality continues to be an issue in the work environment.
Jane Goodall
, 91, might be among the world’s top-leading
primatologists
There was a period when her seriousness was not acknowledged, but now things have changed.
On Tuesday’s episode of “
Call Her Daddy
In the podcast, Goodall discussed the obstacles she encountered throughout her extensive career.
Goodall told podcast host
Alex Cooper
Her affection for animals began when she read “Tarzan of the Apes” during her childhood.
“Regardless, I was aware there wasn’t a Tarzan. Yet, that’s when my dreams started,” Goodall stated. “I’ll mature, head off to
Africa
, coexist with wildlife, and author books — without considering
being a scientist
.”
Most people around her thought her dream was unrealistic, except her mother, she said.
“And everyone remarked, ‘That’s absurd. I mean, you lack funds. Africa is distant, and you’re merely a young woman,’” stated Goodall.
A number of years afterward, Goodall was featured on the cover.
National Geographic
.
She remembered how members of the scientific community hadobjectified her, claiming that her appearance, rather than her research, was what brought her into the limelight.
“Some envious male scientists might argue that she only gained recognition and receives funding from National Geographic because they want her on the cover, and they wouldn’t feature her unless she had attractive legs,” Goodall stated.
If those words were spoken now, they’d face legal action, she remarked.
“Before, all I desired was to return to studying chimpanzees. Therefore, if my legs were earning the income, thanks to them. If you check out those cover photos, they were quite attractive legs,” stated Goodall.
The English
conservationist
recognized that circumstances have changed now.
By acknowledging their perspective, I embraced an important truth. Therefore, I appreciate you for providing me with this edge. Receiving that financial support proved beneficial,” Goodall stated. “While I recognize that my experience occurred quite some time back when things were very different. Such an approach would not be feasible nowadays.
Although Goodall’s experiences took place decades ago, gender inequality continues to be prevalent in the workforce.
Gender discrimination in the workplace manifests in numerous ways, including
wage disparities
,
stereotypes
, and
harassment
.
A number of famous women have similarly shared their experiences with discrimination within the entertainment industry.
During an interview with Porter magazine in November 2023,
Anne Hathaway
mentioned she was informed her
her career would “plummet” after she reached 35
.
In January 2024,
Sofia Vergara
said to the LA Times that she
acting jobs were limited
due to her “annoying accent.”
Kathy Bates
Variety mentioned in September that she might have a lengthy acting career because she ”
wasn’t a beauty queen
.”
A spokesperson for Goodall did not promptly reply to a request for comment sent by Business Insider after working hours.
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