Blogger SE Smith argues that we need to acknowledge that racism and sexism combine to influence how boys and girl’s behaviors are evaluated in schools.
Gender Watch
“When you know better you do better.” ― Maya Angelou
Blogger SE Smith argues that we need to acknowledge that racism and sexism combine to influence how boys and girl’s behaviors are evaluated in schools.
I think this author said it best when she wrote “When you’re a lady, you’re kind of screwed no matter how you act. If you’re assertive, you’re a bitch, you’re too aggressive, you’re obnoxious, particularly if you’re a woman of color. If you behave in the way you’ve been culturally trained to behave, then you’re meek, too quiet, a pushover, a doormat, and you are to blame for your lack of success.” I cannot even express how many times I have been told this EXACT same thing. Being a woman, I’m supposed to be quiet and non-assertive. However, I was raised a daddy’s girl. He taught me how to get what I want in the correct manner. I was so angry reading this article that women are supposed to act a certain way, but we’re supposed to act opposite of what society thinks we should to get ahead. I personally think that I have done well for myself so far, and I would not consider my behavior “boy-like”. Throughout this whole class I have disliked the fact that boys and girls are split up into two completely different categories on behavior, likes/dislikes, and personality traits. It is just what society has come to expect. I do not plan to act like a man to get ahead in the business world. I think that there are plenty of strong women that are able to prove that women can get ahead without being taught to act like a boy.
I was just as irritated reading the Kevin Stannard article as S. E. Smith. I’m struggling with one point and I think it’s because I was an exception to the rule. I would consider myself to act in a feminine speech community. I don’t interrupt, I nod along with the speaker, and I try to save the other’s face with passive language if I find myself in an argument. I am not a disruptive student or employee, I don’t think that will change. But, I don’t think I need to act like a boy to get ahead. My mother is an amazing role model and she taught me how to be assertive and get ahead. Through cognitive development, I learned from her how to act as a lady and competitor. At work and at home she is quick, witty, and nothing slips by her. She has done incredibly well as a professional and I hope to be a career woman just like her. I think that S.E. Smith is right that the blame for how women are treated in the workplace shouldn’t be placed at the victims feet. However, I think that the best option we have as women is to push past the blame game and keep working at it. It’s not a perfect situation, but if my mom can do it I think I can too.