Billionaire Envy

Mar 08

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When I first read through Devon Pendleton’s photo essay entitled, “Billionaire Women We Envy” on Forbes.com, I most certainly did turn a little green - but not with envy.

My feelings of unease began with the short introduction to the photo essay, which assures that reader that these women are not only to be admires for their “well-funded lifestyles” but also for their “influential careers, respected philanthropies and admirable ambition.” None of these statements in itself is at all insulting, but I began to wonder: would men be considered admirable for these simple reasons? Would we expect any less from a public figure worthy of being admired?

My initial apprehension was confirmed when scrolling though the profiles of the eleven women chosen to be envied. Several of the candidates on the list appear to have accomplished little other than inherit their fortune, either from family or through marriage. Is marrying well to be considered something worth admiring?

Other women on the list have inherited their fortune, but continue work hard at building and developing their business. Ms. Dogan Faralyali, Ms. Johnson, and Ms. Esther and Alicia Koplowitz make this cut. I would agree that these are strong, intelligent, dedicated people to be admired.

Occasionally, phrases such as “glamourous wife” and “stylish duo” appear in the biographies in the photo essay. These statements are both irrelevant and further undermine these women. What on earth do these things have to do with their personal success and worth? How common is it to apply these phrases to the male billionaires that are profiled?

Admittedly, there were women on that list who were truly remarkable. Ms. Margaret Whitman and Ms. Zhang Xin stand out from the rest. These two women are educated, savvy business people. They are both self-made billionaires that have succeeded through hard work and smart decisions.

In the end, however, I am left to feel slightly offended by the criteria used by Devon Pendeton to create the list of “Billionaire Women we Envy.” Apparently, there are 99 female billionaires in the world today. Surely there were candidates more admirable than women who passively inherited their fortunes? Ms. Joanne (JK) Rowling and Ms. Oprah Winfrey are two names that come quickly to my head.

When I become a billionaire, I certainly hope I’ll be admired for things other than my hair.