Some women are smarter than men, and some aren't. But to suggest to women that they deserve dominance instead of equality is at best a cheap applause line.

Campbell Brown’s quote challenges the notion that women should seek dominance over men rather than striving for equality. She argues that while individual intelligence may vary between men and women, the idea that women should seek to be superior to men is misguided. According to Brown, promoting dominance instead of equality is a shallow tactic meant to gain applause, but it doesn't contribute to the real goal of gender equality. Her statement emphasizes that the true fight should not be about one gender claiming superiority over the other, but about both achieving equal status and opportunities.

The origin of this quote comes from Campbell Brown’s career as a journalist and television personality, where she has been outspoken on issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. Brown has long advocated for fair treatment of women, both in the workplace and in society at large. Her quote reflects her belief that the women’s rights movement should focus on equity and mutual respect, not on creating a competition between genders.

Brown’s statement critiques the idea that dominance should be the goal of women in a post-feminist world, where equality should be the true aspiration. She implies that dominance is a distraction from the core issue, which is to establish a world where men and women are treated as equals in all spheres of life. By calling such suggestions a “cheap applause line,” she dismisses the superficial appeal of these ideas, suggesting that they fail to address the deeper, more meaningful conversations about social justice and equality.

Ultimately, Campbell Brown’s quote serves as a call to focus on genuine equality, not on fostering conflict between genders. She advocates for a balanced approach to gender relations, where both men and women can live and work as equals, rather than perpetuating a cycle of rivalry. Her message encourages us to move beyond the idea of dominance and toward a society that values equal opportunities, fairness, and respect for everyone, regardless of gender.