Having a few
years of work experience, I find it more amusing now than I did then, maybe you recognize one or two... or more? So... here
it goes:
Have you ever
found yourself up against the old double-standard at work? Then you know how
annoying it can be and how lonely you can feel. Supervisors and co-workers
still judge us by old stereotypes that say women are emotional, disorganized
and inefficient. Here are some of the most glaring examples of the typical
office double-standard.
The family
picture is on HIS desk: Ah, a solid responsible family man.
The family
picture is on HER desk: Hm, her family will come before her career.
HIS desk is
cluttered: He’s obviously a hard worker and busy man.
HER desk is
cluttered: She’s obviously a disorganized scatterbrain.
HE’s talking with
co-workers: He must be discussing the latest deal.
SHE’s talking
with co-workers: She must be gossiping.
HE’s not at his
desk: He must be at a meeting.
SHE’s not at her
desk: She must be in the ladies’ room.
HE’s having lunch
with the boss: He’s on his way up.
SHE’s having
lunch with the boss: They must be having an affair.
HE’s getting
married: He’ll get more settled
SHE’s getting
married: She’ll get pregnant and leave.
HE’s having a
baby: He’ll need a raise.
SHE’s having a
baby: She’ll cost the company money in maternity benefits.
HE’s leaving for
a better job: He recognizes a good opportunity.
SHE’s leaving for
a better job: Women are undependable.
HE’s Aggressive.
SHE’s pushy.
HE’s careful.
SHE’s picky.
HE loses his
temper.
SHE’s bitchy.
HE’s depressed.
SHE’s moody.
HE follows
through.
SHE doesn’t know
when to quit.
HE’s firm
SHE’s stubborn.
HE makes wise
judgements.
SHE reveals her
prejudices.
HE is a man of
the world.
SHE’s been
around.
HE isn’t afraid
to say what he thinks.
SHE’s
opinionated.
HE exercises
authority.
SHE’s tyrannical.
HE’s discreet.
SHE’s secretive.
HE’s a stern
taskmaster.
SHE’s difficult
to work for.
FYI - from Glamour magazine, October 1980, p. 124, taken from "Paths to Power" by N. Josefowitz. Has much changed since then? I just tracked the article down with the help of a librarian.
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much. Now I have the source.
DeleteIf much has changed? The politically right answer would be "yes". I have become "unemployable", I believe a man with my background would have had a very different carreer. The stereotypes still exist, as well as the prejudices.