I found this section very amusing. The way it was broken down to a black and white comparison was a very strong way to present the concept. The main idea was that men are determined, busy, important, dedicated, and intelligent. On the other hand women are pushy, flaky, dispensable, and impulsive.
Another stereotype that wasn’t really addressed is how it is believed that in general, women can’t be successful in a male dominated field such as construction. I run a house painting company and it was amazing how surprised many male contractors were when they found out. But over time they figured out that I knew what I was doing, but the fact that I am a “tom boy” and not a typical girl probably helped as well. Eventually they were giving me advice and support so that I could do my job better, and many of them are my friends not.
Not only were male contractors skeptical, but many of my clients were at first as well. It took me having a lot of product knowledge and convincing to ease their minds and to prove to them that I was capable.
It is very difficult to be a woman in a man’s field. Determination, understanding, patience, and aggressiveness are key traits needed to make it. However, I feel that the women that are successful are so much stronger for it, and that if you put your mind to it, it can be achieved.
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It's really interesting that you face this type of discrimination in your job every day. Working as a woman in a man's field definitely carries some consequences. Sometimes I feel like these women have to work twice as hard just to get the same recognition as a man. Because people don't usually expect women to be in seats of power, they automatically assume that she cannot perform up to standard. It's also interesting to examine the dualities between how people view women in high positions in the working world, and how people view men in the same positions. Aggressive men in the business world are seen as 'go-getters;' they are determined and will stop at nothing to achieve their dreams and goals. On the other hand, women who are aggressive are seen as rigid, bitchy, and ruthless. This is why I feel that women in prominent business positions must work twice as hard to be viewed in a positive light by their peers.
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