Don’t Be Afraid To Speak UP, Speak Your Mind…
Posted by PaulJan 20
Can we talk about the “double standard”?
I know, you’re saying, “Which double standard?”
I agree, there are far too many.
There really are far too many, and I could address several…
…but for now, try this one…
Ever hear a woman say, “Isn’t that just like a man?”?
I’m sure you have…I’m sure you may have said it.
And I’ll admit, stereotypes are there because they’re there.
At a business meeting back in the day when I had a “real” job, one of the big boys was working the remote for the presesntation when a female corporate Vice President said,
”Isn’t that just like a man, they always have to have the remote.”.
Now, I personally believe that it is written somewhere in the Bible that the man should have the remote. And frankly, women do not know how to work them. I’m sure it’s because we’ve controlled them for so long that the evolutionary process has deleted that from the very DNA of the female. So, guys, I’m sure it’s our fault. Why not, everything else is.
It got me to thinking, and this is dangerous ground. But if a MALE corporate Vice President had said, “Isn’t that just like a woman?” , there would have been attorneys, court dates, settlements, early retirements, and general mayhem.
I bring this UP, simply because after nearly 40 years of “sensitivity” training, diversity training, treating others with respect seminars, co-worker team building sessions, and media attention…it is still going on.
Are major corporations wasting their money on all this?
Probably.
People are people, people are going to say insensitive and ignorant things. Maybe we need to just take it for what it’s worth and learn something about the person who’s saying it.
Maybe it’s just our plain old human selfishness to think we know better than someone else, aren’t like the typical woman/man, which ever the case may be. Or maybe it’s really the way it is, and we just need to get over it.
Am I advocating saying what’s on your mind?
Yes!
That way we’ll know instantly how you really feel.
And we know what you really believe, and know just how far we should stay away from you!
So, speak your mind!
6 comments
Comment by Melissa A on January 20, 2010 at 8:48 am
I think that the reason for that particular double standard (and a few others) is that for so long, women have been repressed by men. Since women have had to work to *gain* equality, I think a lot of them feel that they are entitled to make comments like that. Personally though, I hate those broad general statements no matter who is making them.
Comment by Diane on January 20, 2010 at 9:16 am
I have to admit that I say such things as “that’s a man for you” frequently.My husband will verify that I also say “It’s a man’s world” equally as frequently. I feel no guilt at all. Such statements are an accurate assessment. Example- Tiger Woods and other men that I read about all of the time who throw away family,career and reputation for extramarital or illicit sex – that’s a man for you. Then there are the male athletes who are little more than thugs who make millions – it’s a man’s world! However, it is no reflection on my hubby- he is the cream of the crop!
Comment by Jenny (your lovely niece) on January 20, 2010 at 10:00 am
I too am a fan of saying how you really feel, mostly because I am really bad at faking it! Although I don’t think you should you know, be offensive on purpose. Only if you’re just truly an offensive person!!
Comment by The Urban Cowboy on January 20, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I too have had the pleasure…uh, I mean had to endure the endless training sessions in the corporate world…and this type of training is merely another way for the company to protect ‘its’ interests should an employee overstep their boundaries. And yes, I agree that there exits double standards.
Comment by philosopherkim on January 25, 2010 at 3:36 am
I WILL NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY THAT I AM A FEMINIST.
I HAVE BEEN RAISED UP TO BELIEVE THAT MEN ARE MORE SUPERIOR THAN WOMEN BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT THE BIBLE SAID.
HOWEVER, AS I WENT ALONG IN THE STREAM OF LIFE, I’VE REALIZED MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD BE EQUAL.
AND IF YOU ASK ME IF I’LL SERVE MY FUTURE HUSBAND A WARM CUP OF COFFEE,I’D TELL HIM TO GO ASK THE HOUSEMAID.
Comment by Mike on March 5, 2010 at 9:33 am
My wife is utterly incompetent with the TV remote. And, without fail, I hand it to her as soon as she walks in the room.
It teaches me patience and forbearance. 35 years, so far!