The [not so] Glamorous Life of Wives of Diplomats. | Nicole Nasr | TEDxLSE
TEDx Talks
12 min, 33 sec
The speaker reflects on the influential but often unrecognized work of diplomats' wives, contrasting it with recognized professions like CEOs.
Summary
- The speaker shares childhood memories of her father's excitement hosting diplomats and the elegance of their wives, sparking her interest in the role.
- She recounts a school memory where she expressed her aspirations to be a CEO or a diplomat's wife, and how her teacher found the latter amusing.
- The speaker emphasizes the lack of monetary compensation and recognition for the diplomat's wives compared to CEOs.
- Through doctoral research, the speaker discovers the real challenges and duties of diplomat's wives, which are often underestimated.
- The speaker advocates for empathy and recognition for the contributions of diplomats' wives, sharing anecdotes that highlight their pivotal role.
Chapter 1
The speaker shares early memories of her parents hosting diplomats, highlighting her father's excitement and the elegance of diplomats' wives.
- Her father, not a diplomat, hosted dinners with diplomats, embodying formality and pride.
- The speaker was fascinated by the diplomats and their spouses, aspiring to emulate them.
Chapter 2
The speaker recalls a childhood aspiration of being a CEO or a diplomat's wife and the teacher's reaction to her ambition.
- During a school exercise, she expressed her desire to be either a CEO or a diplomat's wife.
- Her teacher's laughter at her ambition to be a diplomat's wife led to a discussion on the importance of both roles.
Chapter 3
The speaker discusses the lack of financial compensation and recognition for diplomats' wives, contrasting it with the visible success of CEOs.
- Diplomats' wives cannot earn money for their professional skills while on assignment.
- Recognition for their efforts is scarce compared to the accolades received by CEOs.
Chapter 4
The speaker provides insights from her doctoral research on the experiences of diplomats' wives.
- The research involved interviewing eight wives of diplomats and understanding their challenges.
- The life of a diplomat's wife is not as glamorous as it appears, involving significant emotional labor.
Chapter 5
The speaker explains the critical role of diplomats' wives in establishing relationships and networking for diplomatic success.
- Diplomats' wives often create strong, meaningful relationships that aid their husbands' work.
- Activities perceived as hobbies are essential in building these influential networks.
Chapter 6
The speaker highlights the need for adaptability and decision-making skills in the life of a diplomat's wife.
- The constant change and stress of moving countries require diplomat's wives to be highly adaptable.
- They face decisions about family, schooling, logistics, and their role in their husband's career.
Chapter 7
The speaker sheds light on the meticulous planning and strategic networking involved in diplomatic dinners.
- Diplomatic dinners require careful orchestration to foster negotiations and avoid conflicts.
- The diplomat's wife plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of these events.
Chapter 8
The speaker touches on the personal sacrifices and lack of self-expression inherent in being a diplomat's wife.
- Diplomats' wives are often not allowed to express their own opinions, as they represent their country's stance.
- Their identities are closely tied to their official duties, limiting personal freedom.
Chapter 9
The speaker concludes by advocating for empathy towards the sacrifices of diplomats' wives and sharing a heartfelt anecdote.
- Empathy is needed to understand the unseen efforts of diplomats' wives.
- An ambassador's acknowledgment of his wife's contributions exemplifies the unspoken gratitude they deserve.
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