Here are the questions for this weeks thought.
- What
memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice,
and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the
target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can
encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments,
as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and
the like.
I seem to be more aware of inequity in all walks of life these days. When I watch an old(er) TV show I see how marginalized women were back in the days when I grew up. (1950 & 60) It just makes me so mad because at the same time women were really making headway in the public field but the TV moguls just didn't get it and the actresses took the roles they were offered. One have to make a living, I understand that but I am appalled now at what we put up with. Sadly things haven't changed much. A classic example is The Big Bang Theory which I love. But the paradigm is the same. Penny is still the "dumb blond" Amy is smart but not so attractive. Amy is just so cute you want to pinch her cheeks. Geeezzzzz !
Well I have my own story to tell about being marginalized as well.
When I went to the dealership to get my mother's car an oil change (free promotional offer) and I asked about fixing the car doors. several of which had stopped working from the inside the manager leaned over the counter and said, "Well little lady we charge 70,00 and hour so I don't think it is worth it to you to do that." I thought to myself "Really? This guy just called me Little Lady?" I politely thanked him and never went back. I want ed to slap the guy I was so mad. but that would have proved me an hysterical woman.
On a positive note I now drive a Toyota and the service manager is a young woman who really knows her stuff. So far we have had no "Little Lady" incidents. Although I am 30 plus years older than she I don't feel like I am treated any differently than a younger client.
In
what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that
incident diminish equity?
The treatment I got from the man at the first service garage was disrespectful of my humanity and my gender. Assuming that because I was a woman in a man's world I could be treated anyway they chose. I have told every woman I know with a GM car not to take theirs there for service.
- What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
I was pretty angry and in the above account I think you will read my feelings. I didn't feel victimized I was just angry. I chose to not ever go back to that shop again for any reason.
- What
and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an
opportunity for greater equity?
An understanding on the part of the service manager that women are capable of taking care of things and they should be treated with all the respect they can muster. I feel sorry for the guys wife and or daughters.
Ok nuff said. Now to go out and change the world .
Thanks for dropping by
Peace and all good
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI was just part of a conversation at church yesterday in which we were discussing the role of women in the 1950s and 1960s. The group of women that I was having the conversation with are now in their late 70s and early 80s. They were talking about how women stayed home and cared for the children and ran the household. They were also talking about how the men worked all day, sometimes 10 or 12 hours per day. Times and society has changed! I also am surprised at the interactions similar to your experience at the garage in today's society. These types of biases are offensive and not necessary as we interact with each other to provide and receive services, work and live together on this planet. These kinds of experiences, along with the anti-bias journeys that we are on will make us excellent early childhood educators that can truly make a difference for all of us.
Linda,
ReplyDeletePeople do still have a misconception about how resilient and useful we can be in more ways than just looks. Smart girls are pretty too lol.