Former Sec. of State Condoleezza Rice expressed concern that the “Me Too” movement could “infantilize” women and turn them into “snowflakes.”
Rice discussed the movement, which began in response to revelations that movie mogul Harvey Weinstein allegedly raped actresses, in an interview with CNN contributor David Axelrod.
Rice said that she supports the movement but worries that it could end up backfiring on women.
“I think that the movement to expose these circumstances is a good thing. Let’s clear the air about it. I do think we have to be a little bit careful,” she said.
“Let’s not turn women into snowflakes. Let’s not infantilize women.”
The allegations against Weinstein spurred an avalanche of allegations of sexual misconduct against dozens of men in high-profile positions in Hollywood, the media, and politics. But as the movement has gained steam, some women, including self-described feminists, have raised questions similar to Rice’s.
Rice said that she is worried that men will adopt the mindset that “maybe it’s just better not to have women around.”
“I’ve heard a little bit of that. And it, it worries me,” she said.
Rice, who was the first woman admitted to Augusta National Golf Club, said that she has faced some uncomfortable situations as a professional woman, but never faced a quid pro quo or been assaulted.
“I’ve certainly had people suggest that maybe we should just go out — and you know — and situations in which it was somebody more senior than I,” she told Axelrod.
“I’ve never faced…an explicit quid pro quo. I’ve never had anyone do anything that I would consider assault,” she continued.
“But I don’t know a woman alive who hasn’t had somebody say or do something that was inappropriate at best and aggressive at worst.”