Sexism and Misogyny

We’re talking about it, now let’s act

The door was opened wide in recent years by publicly and openly discussing sexism and misogyny.

Let’s not let it close and cut off the impact it made in awareness and solutions.

Yes, we need to continue to talk about that dirty little word, sexism, and what is still occurring since the start of time. There are things we can and should do to eradicate this egregious behavior.

What does it look like and what can we do about it?

I can honestly say I hadn’t heard misogyny used in the past as much as it has been recently.

It became a buzzword based on the news and events and was used daily. But, sexism has always existed. Why do these issues only gain awareness when someone in the public eye causes a stir?

And, is there a difference between the two words?

What Is Misogyny?

per Merriam-Webster,

Misogyny is “a hatred of women.”

Additional descriptions are available to include language such as,

“hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women, or prejudice against women.” ~Dictionary.com

What Is Sexism?

per Merriam-Webster,

Sexism is “prejudice or discrimination based on sex” or “behavior, conditions or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex.”

Okay, technically the two terms are not interchangeable every time. But, they do share a common thread and it’s the ugly idea of prejudice. It appears that misogyny is specific to women and sexism pertains to all people.

Men are not immune to the detrimental effects of sexism, though workplace prejudice is more common in our female population.

This article will specifically address the woman’s experience from a woman’s point of view.

Unfortunately for me, and all women my age or older, the ‘old boy network’ was accepted. Women didn’t have a voice. I look to the younger women today and want better for them.

They have opportunities and awareness that we weren’t afforded.

We had to suck up the mistreatment ~ take it on the chin ~ and ‘man up.’

Today’s women don’t. There are enough of us that tried to trail blaze back in the day. My particular lack of success has strengthened my backbone.

We can do this, for today’s young women and generations to follow, by joining forces.

Classic Signs of Workplace Sexism

Gender Bias

This was truly one of my biggest struggles. If I said the same sentence as the man next to me, I was considered a Bitch and he was deemed a Leader. If I displayed any passion, I was called emotional. Perhaps I was suffering from PMS?

Because I am assertive and have a Type A personality, this treatment was frequent. I had a Co-Manager with the same job duties as mine. We worked opposite hours and performed the same functions.

When it came time to terminate an employee, for clear and just cause, he would ask me to do it. “You know, everyone expects it from the Axe Lady.”

He was 15 years older than me. The employees that loved me called me Mom. They never called him Dad, though, and they loved him, too.

All thanks to my gender.

Physical Bias

Any reference to a woman’s physical traits in a professional setting is sexism and can bleed into misogyny. This includes office jokes. Unless you want to be a sexist, refrain from telling a woman to wear a short skirt to seal the deal on the table. It’s not close to funny and it’s quite degrading.

It’s been 15 years since I was publically lauded at a function of a few hundred people. The announcement ended with, “And it took a blonde to get the job done!” I still feel embarrassed as I write this.

Fifteen years later and my cheeks still redden at the memory.

That announcement reduced me from a smart thinker, a hard worker, and a capable person, to “a blonde.” Those words turned a moment of pride into regret. I felt diminished and I was.

Talking Down

Over-explaining, and repeating the same concept to a woman who clearly has the information is just as demeaning. Disregarding a woman’s input is also a sign of devaluing her.

When men defer to another man, regardless of his experience, and talk over or through a woman, the message is loud and clear.

The woman, her opinion, or input doesn’t carry the same weight as a male counterpart.

The belittling needs to stop.

Role Bias

When a long meeting includes food, it doesn’t mean the women involved will be baking, making, or serving it. Yes, we have a history of being caretakers.

However, this mentality has no place in the office.

I am a team player and will do any task before me. It should be noted that when certain functions are assigned and clearly designated due to a woman’s historical role, such as cleaning, and not assigned to a man, there is an issue of sexism present.

Isn’t it time for fair and equitable distribution of jobs, treatment, and associated wages?

Damage Control

The negative impact on women who experience sexism or misogyny is far-reaching and long-lasting. It can vary from mental health issues such as depression to financial ramifications of making less pay for the same job, to being overlooked for a promotion.

It stands to reason that an environment that allows or accepts sexism as a normal course of business may also expose a woman to sexual harassment. Physical intimidation is not a big leap in an already hostile space.

So, lately, we’ve been openly talking a lot about the prejudices against women. It’s simply not enough.

What do we do about it?

Combatting Sexism

Most companies have an annual training session to address what constitutes sexual harassment. Whether or not training alone is practical is up to how the boss enforces the policies.

There are laws to assist women with overt discriminatory behaviors. Sexual harassment and safety are taken seriously.

Sexism is trickier. It can be subtle or extreme and everything in the middle.

Regardless of the degree to which sexism is present, it is unacceptable.

It’s left up to all of us to address the signs as soon as we recognize them. Men and women, equally, need to pull together and squash this barbaric way of thinking.

How you do it will be specific to your environment.

Take Action

Whether you are on the receiving end of sexism or a witness to it, you have an obligation to affect change. No matter your gender, active participation in ridding our lives of prejudice should be at the forefront.

Speak up.

Lead by Example.

Be an ally and promote balanced treatment, across the board.

Find your own allies if needed. Keep dialogue going.

Report your concerns to your Human Resources Department.

Don’t accept the negative behaviors. No more looking the other way.

Look within to identify your reactions ~ are you endorsing by default?

Don’t engage, or condone with silence, any sexist jokes in the office.

The door for dialogue has been opened wide.

Let’s not let it close and cut off the impact of awareness and solutions.

It’s time to end sexism and misogyny.

Women deserve better; women deserve equality.

All people deserve it.

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