I’ve got good news and “bad” news: we can bring substantive change to workplace sexism issues.
It’s good news since, of course, HELLO we all want to see things improve – we want to be viewed, treated, and respected as equals. So, YES! Let’s do this. It’s “bad” news since, OH MAN, change must also happen within each of us. So, sounds less awesome and almost like a guilt trip. But, I promise, it’s MOST DEFINITELY NOT. In fact, you will be encouraged, even where this is another call to action to add to your to-do list (well, that’s assuming it is not there already).
The author, and btw, Member of GIRL ATTORNEY – PA, of this GIRL ATTORNEY-curated piece does such a fantastic job of helping each of us see the subtle ways that women have, and some of us continue to contribute to the problem. I saw my past self in some of the examples she gave – “OH, I remember framing things like that, I’ve grown in that way.” It’s encouraging, actually. I also identified some of those deeply-rooted messages I was taught as a kiddo in a deeply-traditional home…that I am still working to “re-wire,” so to speak.
Oh, you’re gonna be glad you read this – and I think this is a great one on these issues to SHARE (b/c first of all, it’s a great article that men and woman alike can learn a lot from, and also – remember, this was authored by one of our own and we want to support her!)
Happy Tuesday Y’all.
XO,
Susan Carns Curtiss, Founder/CEO Girl Attorney, LLC
From Practical People Skills authored by Paula M. Jones:
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
“Once again the issue of equality and respect for women in the workplace is making its way into the headlines. I’m inspired by the new vitality in the hopeful younger generation regarding the issue because I have been quite tired from the lack of progress for women over my 30 year career.
Despite practicing law for the past 20 years, I have never viewed law as a means by which we can change human behavior or the way people think. Plato said, “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” I believe the most lasting and meaningful change that will really eliminate lack of equality and respect for women in the workplace is ridding ourselves of the sexist beliefs that we still hold.
Notice that I am not pointing the finger to any one group of people to blame for sexist attitudes. Sexism is deeply ingrained in our culture, our families, our religions, our politics and our history. Not one of us is completely free of gender bias. However, we are not powerless to overcome it. Once we become conscious of our own assumptions, beliefs, thoughts or knee-jerk reactions, we are then able to change them. As my Wise Aunt Bea told me whenever I felt overwhelmed by any problem, “Awareness of a problem means we are already halfway to the solution.”
What myths can we eliminate to make our workplace more respectful of all, resulting in equal treatment of all workers, regardless of gender?”
Read the full story by FOLLOWING THIS LINK
