My Life as a Geisha

I recently read a fascinating article about Geisha culture in Japan found in Conde Nast (RIP Gourmet) Traveller:
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/501593
(Thanks, Jo!)

Stephanie Birkitt reminds me of a Geisha. I mean this figuratively. She clearly possesed some alluring characteristics, and subtly moved toward professional freedom. Maybe now she is looked down upon, but she obtained a cameo role and excessive other perks on the set of an extremely popular Late Show by using covert sexual methodology! Much like a Geisha, Stephanie may be viewed in a negative light, but she clearly was a lot brighter than many may give her credit for. As described in the article, Shoba Narayan writes:

"The geisha's karyukai, or "flower and willow world," is both exacting and secret—one that prizes discretion (geisha rarely marry and if they do, they retire and never reveal the father of their child or children), yet is open to misinterpretation... Today's geisha go to great lengths to explain that they are sophisticated entertainers, not prostitutes. They may hint at their sexuality using double entendres and sexual jokes delivered with the most innocent of faces; they may draw out a man's sorrows by listening to him sympathetically and pouring more sake; but they certainly do not sleep around. Rather, they occupy a rarefied realm in which women are both divas and directors."

Unfortunately, through the nature of scandal, the exposure of Steph's behavior may be detrimental to her future career undertakings, and who knows where Dave's ratings will fall this season, but she certainly is not as naive as she looks and in fact must have had a good deal of control over the situation. Stephanie is a like a Geishe-esque Diva and a Director. Perhaps she is better suited for Kyoto!

I don't condone this behavior nor am I promoting it, I just am drawing a connection between the Feminine Mystique and Feminine Allure, both of which must be juxtaposed in this day and age in order to leverage professional success. This is just shedding light on the battle women face today to balance sexuality, submission and aggression to achieve success, and highlighting that it is a battle going since the beginning of time. I know I am leaving out elements of actual qualifications and measures of legitimate intelligence, but it's more fun to analyze the good stuff.