The quote suggests that there has historically been a perception that power is inherently associated with men, which can lead those who feel marginalized from this power dynamic to act in ways that diminish their own authority and confidence. This implies a cultural norm where men are often seen as the primary holders of power, leaving others to adopt behaviors or attitudes that reinforce this imbalance.
At its core, Whitney Wolfe Herd's statement critiques societal structures that perpetuate inequality by linking power predominantly with one gender. It also hints at how such perceptions can influence individual behavior, causing those who do not fit into these traditional norms to feel disempowered and act accordingly. This dynamic can create a vicious cycle where people reinforce stereotypes about power and authority based on gender rather than challenging them, thereby perpetuating inequality and limiting personal empowerment for those outside the conventional framework.
Whitney Wolfe Herd is an American entrepreneur and businesswoman best known as one of the co-founders of Tinder and the founder of dating app Bumble. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights in the tech industry and has frequently spoken about issues related to gender equality, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship.