It recently donned on me that the liberal country in which I live is not as liberal as I thought in terms of the roles men and women both play in the workplace. I myself have always felt that I was presented with professional opportunities just as equitable as that of my male counterparts. However, it has come to my attention that the subject of equality is still in question in today’s corporate environment.A close gal pal of mine works in a relatively relaxed corporate office that boasts a playful culture with a more or less equal representation from both the male and female contingents. Sounds ideal, and seemingly it is in most cases, until just the other day our girl brought a rather stringent stereotype to the attention of some of her fellow co-workers. She, along with a select group of colleagues (all female), are often asked to cover reception for the regular receptionist while she takes a lunch break or in the event that she falls ill. Hmmm…why would this roster only include gals? Simply put, it would seem that sitting at a reception desk, greeting visitors and answering phones is not considered a male-esque role. Which begs the question…why the hell not? Why in today’s corporate culture are there roles that are more commonly considered female instead of male? You certainly don’t see many blokes in the HR department, or at least it’s an anomaly in my experience.
The best bit of the story is when our subject approaches her trusted male colleagues for a bit of support, only to be scoffed at in a patronizing manor.
Ok, so we won the women’s lib movement, we have the right to vote and we aren’t commissioned to wear skirts (only) to work anymore. Hoorah for the ladies! However, my friends experience only reminds us that there is still a long way to go in the quest for equality in the workplace.
Is it penis envy? No. Would it be refreshing to see a handsome fella sitting behind a reception desk for once? Abso-f*cking-lutely.
That’s all for this week possums, if you’ll excuse me…I have some bras in the oven.
3 comments:
LMFAO - so true! Although at my work the there have been a few of the guys forced to man the desk for a few minutes. They always have a deer in headlights look!
We need more hermaphrodites in the corporate workplace! That'll solve the penis/vagina issue...
haha this has happened at every office I have worked at - and most recently the men who are willing to cover such a role when needed get told they are not allowed by the head honchos.... sad really
p.s. love the bras in the oven lol
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