I enjoy watching TV after going and going all day. It's such a numbing and relaxing feeling. I look forward to playing something saved on the DVR after Savannah goes to sleep. Tonight I watched House. The show tonight was about Cuddy's life- almost a day-in-the-life-of type plot. Usually the show focuses on House, the main character, but it showed it from Cuddy's view. Although I don't have to face the major issues she deals with I really connected with her story. Mainly from the prospective of being a women in the workplace. I don't want to come across as a bra-burning feminist, but why is it so different and difficult for women than men.
It's no secret that women make less than men (about 70-80 cents for every dollar), but it is how we are treated that upsets me the most. Especially when you are in some type of authoritative position it is obvious women are not equal. The changed attitude is noticeable from people above and below a women boss on the corporate ladder. A great example at my work is about the 3 directors (Natalie Lorhenz- the Director of Counseling, myself- the Director of Education and Jim Moll- the Director of Operations). At work everyone addresses and refers to Jim Moll as "Mr. Moll". As for Natalie and myself it is simply "Natalie" and "Kelly". It's not like I want people in the office to formally address me by name , but it is clear that female directors are 'different' than male directors. I hate how we are perceived as less intelligent until we can prove ourselves. I can recognize that every business-related conversation I have with men or women for the first time I need to qualify my opinion with my experience or my education. It bothers me how men feel they can bully women with their tone of voice or body language. Lastly, I hate how women are labeled as 'emotional' to the point that it is more difficult to handle positions of power. Come on... it's not like we cry every time something goes wrong. I wouldn't say women are 'emotional' because frankly it's degrading. Sensitive maybe better language, since it can be looked at as a good quality. But yes, women do cry in the workplace but it's most likely due to being overworked, under appreciated and seriously under paid and it just comes to a head when we are being belittled by a man.
Wow... TV can really get the mind thinking. What a rant!
4 comments:
I think that it is more person by person issue. Depending on how the woman or man acts in the first place. But really I've only had one corporate job so I only have experience in one place. Yet again I feel it can be that way anywhere you go including school.
But for me, I am very outspoken, and state my mind and have never had the issue of being treated differently than the "men" in the office.
I think that you can commend respect. People will treat you according to your action and behaviors.
There is a male manager I work with and he is more shy, and questions his work and all kinds of stuff - so he is not taken as seriously in the office, brushed off a lot.
Overall again I think it is more person by person based on their personality and how they appear to others or on how they are treated.
I don't know I guess I am on the opposite side of the whole issue. I prefer to have whoever is best suited for the position to be hired.
I don't want a woman doing the job when the man can do it better. I don't want to not get hired just because I am not of the right color.
I am so not a fan of equality, where they try to hire people of all colors and genders to appear diversified. I think survival of the fittest. I worked dang hard so I should get rewarded for my work not because of my gender or color.
oh wait let me add....
haha can you tell this is totally a hot issue for me. But this is me being totally opinionated so please no offense towards you at all - these are just my views in general.
so i want to add it is all so very much in your actions how one is treated.
ie: in a previous ward we had a young mens leader who really wanted to be buddies with the boys, he'd play with them and hang out with them and do things with them to be "cool," yet when it came to teaching the boys, they wouldn't listen or take him seriously. They had gotten to think of him as a friend not as a teacher. so I think you have to create certain relationships if you want certain results.
I totally agree with you Kelly. I was at an Orange County Bar Association luncheon last month that focused solely on the inequality of women within the legal field. It is soooo real and still occurring and it is so stinking frustrating. What do woman have to do to get recognition and equal pay! Shoot...I don't even care about recognition, I just want equal pay and the same opportunities that men are presented with. The luncheon gave us very interesting articles with black and white statistics that prove inequality. I wanted to shove those articles in our male partners' faces (who are also Mormon, which makes the inequality even more frustrating to me.) And wouldn't you know, they were the only 2 attorneys that didn't make it to the lunch that day, yet they needed to hear it the most. It is just ridiculous. (And yes, it is ironic that an employment law firm that practices discrimination actually discriminates.) And frustratingly, there is not much we can do about it but talk about it and educate and hope that awareness changes it eventually. Anyway, thank you for the thought. I COMPLETELY agree.
Kelly, its so cool to see you and your friends taking up where our generation left off. Rant dear girl, rant all you want, it's so true!
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