As a I grew older, I became increasingly drawn to learn more about Margaret Thatcher. Being the first woman prime minister in Europe was something of an inspiration. It proved to me that women could be just as powerful, just as successful as any man. The latest news and attention on her, reminded me of how much I used to aspire to this woman. I've watched documentaries, read so many articles and I also watched a film about her life last year, which really allowed me to understand her more fully and the reason why she is so famous. I remember people thinking that I was crazy going to the cinema to watch a film about politics. But I was intensely interested in this woman and wanted to find out more about her, I didn't regret it a bit. Coming out of the the movie theatre, I felt a sense of ability and power. I realised I could do anything I wanted to as long as I pursue it with overwhelming passion. Don't let anyone pull you down. You are your own destiny.
Studying economics has further familiarised me with the two words; Margaret Thatcher. She had a profound influence on British politics and economy. She created change. She lead the change and her legacy is the change, which has been continued. I was studying the other day and realised just how much Thatcher has impacted UK. I believe every book in about UK or even US mentions Thatcher because of her bold policies which changed the world and the perception of both the economy and ultimately, women. She was one of the few politicians in the world who actually DID something and made change. She was so bold and brave, she had the courage to carry out what she believed in and did not budge if someone disagreed. Even though, some people feel that she bullied her colleagues and was not a nice person to work for, she managed to get her way to the very top. To be successful, you will always get haters. But another thing that this signals to me is that, people have to be mean sometimes to get what they want, and that may be a key characteristic of an able leader.
People also have negative feelings towards her due to her somewhat harmful policies. She believed in the ultimate free market theory. After the war, Britain was hugely dependent on the state and trade unions' power was becoming to get out of hand, whereby just three companies could cause the British economy to halt into a standstill. Furthermore inflation was hitting high levels which needed to be controlled. Thatcher wanted to change this. She privatised and privatised and privatised until the government owned nothing. But what did this cause? A huge surge in unemployment. This caused dissatisfaction amongst the working class, and thereby creating victims of Thatcher's policies. Not only that, Thatcher is known for her part in the war to maintain possession of the Falkland Islands. She won this war, but at the expense of many lives of those in the army. She considered this to be one of her greatest achievements, but some people hate her for the pain she inflicted in soldiers and their families for this cause which seemed so trivial.
Even though she was apparently mean and bullied those who worked for her, caused pain to a lot of people, I still think there are some good points to learn about this woman. One of the most important features are her ability to work so well and dominate men. In a parliament of the 1970's, being a woman was a disadvantage in the fact that you were mocked and looked down on. People didn't believe in your abilities, and it was one tough job just to let your voice be heard. However, Tatcher proved to millions that those old beliefs about women were wrong. Just the fact that she was a woman signalled a social progress of change, and she did carry out hat change. Another thing I think is inspirational, is her commitment to her work. She was so focused and had so much passion. Something, I believe I need to personally work on.
Despite people still hating her on the day of her funeral, it can be seen that she achieved some great things. Things that the average person would never even get a step close to. So you average people out there should stop and ponder on whether you should have done what you did. To disrespect someone who has dramatically changed our lives and led our nation into a much stronger position, even on her funeral is a disgrace. You may be a victim of her somewhat harmful policies, but the woman has died, why still fuss, let one rest in peace. People have so many dissatisfactions about life that they just have to release it on things that don't even make moral sense.
The funeral was somewhat overwhelming to watch on TV and see pictures of, only because it clearly shows the great achievements of this woman. To be able to get the attention and respect of millions of people around the world, even after you have passed away, is definitely something. I'm sure that many people were touched by the work that Thatcher did, and even during her last moments, she continues to make an impact on so many. I wish I had the chance to meet this remarkable woman. I remember seeing one of my old high school friends' Facebook statuses which made a remark on how seeing Thatcher during a school assembly was one of the most breathtaking experiences she had ever experienced and she will never forget it. I don't think the world will forget about this woman for a very long time either. It's going to take a while for us to see another Margaret Thatcher type leader.
