Sad at the state of equality in my workplce...

Friday, December 17, 2010

I work in a car repair shop, manning (HA!) the front desk. When I first started here the "staff room" was decorated with posters of half naked women. Needless to say, I found this embarrassing and offensive. When I brought this up to someone else here, I got the responce "Yeah it's not really right but it's tradition." They got moved into the staff bathroom... I use the customer washroom.

Today there were lovely half naked lady magnets everywhere provided to the guys from one of our suppliers. I'm already struggling with this job, I don't think I should have to be subjected to sexually offensive materials while I'm here as well. I don't think I'm asking too much.

I am at work right now and I am so frustrated and angry that I just want to walk out and cry.. Cry, or punch someone. I've had lots of hard jobs in my life, but never one that left me feeling so... worthless as a human being. Not only do I have to deal with customers thinking I'm a complete idiot because I have boobs, but I get to look at half naked Pamela Anderson's all over the place. All the power to all the Pamela Anderson's out there, but not so professional in the workplace in my humble opinion...

I feel like when I voice my opinion, the overwhelming response is that I'm over reacting and shouldn't be so sensitive. But, I really feel that making this behavour is not okay, it's not professional in the workplace, and it is offensive to me, any other woman who enters this shop, and to the men here as well, not to expect a certain amout of workplace professionalism. Actually, maybe it is the most offensive to men, as it strengthens the stereotype that men only think with their penis and are only intersted in busty blonde airheads in thongs, splashing around on the beach.

I'm frustrated, I'm frustrated and angry. I remember thinking, while I was working on my degree, that things couldn't be nearly as bad as people were makign things out to be. Well, I am learning as I make my way through the world, that they are, things suck and I wish I could grow a penis and speak with a deeper voice because I think my opinons and thoughts would be better received.

I don't bring my lingerie to work and I don't want to see "Matco model of the year's" lingerie while I'm at work either. I think that's fair enough,.

End Rant.... But I'm still pissed off.

7 comments:

  1. I sympathize! When I used to work in restaurants I was subjected to an insane amount of sexual harassment. People act like there is something wrong with YOU if you point out how inappropriate, immature, and unprofessional this kind of stuff is. It's totally ok to be pissed off about it, but don't worry too much, because you won't be putting up with that crap for long. Your lingerie, branding, etc. is amazingly beautiful, and you will probably be working for yourself before long. Then, the lingerie photos will be tasteful :)

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  2. Aw thanks, I really appreciate that. I am really trying to take photos that are tasteful and that real women can relate to... I'm not offended by naked people, tastefully photographed naked people, but these are not tasteful, they are pornographic and offensive.

    I've always worked in the design industry with predomanatly women co-workers who all had a certain level of professionalism. Sure, we joked around (guys and girls) but I've never really felt like this before. Really sad :( Thanks for sharing your story too

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  3. I agree. That's inappropriate and uncalled for. Don't be swayed. If you let something like this pass, what's next? Degrading jokes, a pat on butt, or worse. If they think it's no big deal to have it up, then they shouldn't think it's a big deal to take it down. You should remind them they're in the presence of a lady. If they have a problem with it, well.. there's laws in place for this sort of thing...

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  4. Your so right. It is inappropriate for the workplace. It is interesting that one of the guys agreed with you but said it was 'tradition' - sounds like peer pressure to me? Hang in there, keep up the fight and just keep filling the staff bathroom with the pictures/magnets/posters etc. Sooner or later those boys will get tired of all those pairs of eyes (and other bits) looking at them while they go to the loo! And hey, if you can't beat 'em, you could always join 'em and supply your own half-naked men posters too...?

    I know I know, not the point hey.

    On a side note, your sewing is seriously inspiring and made me go out and buy my first bra pattern. Now I just need to work out how to put the thing together! I am looking forward to picking out all the trimmings though :-)

    Sending you relaxing thoughts, Sam xox

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  5. Urgh, what a horrid situation. Yeah there are laws about this stuff, but do you take the feminist stand and threaten your colleagues with court? Not an easy situation and I really sympathise.
    I also agree on the customer angle, women drive cars too, and presumably get cars fixed too...maybe that's the way to speak up? Talk about your customer base being offended?
    Hope you find a way through because hating your work environment is no fun.

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  6. wow, glad I am not the only one who feels this way. Generally when I bring it up wtih "the guys" they agree that it is inappropriate, degrading, and unprofessional but they really take no proactive steps to end it. When I bitched, calanders started disappearing, but they never should have been there in the first place. So glad I am not alone in my feelings! I was starting to feel like a nut!

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  7. I'm so glad to hear those calendars are gone! It always amazes me to hear what people think it 'appropriate' for the workplace. That definitely was not.

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