This month marks the 39th anniversary of the signing of Title IX, which broke down the barriers to opportunity for women, on the playing field and in the classroom.
The results have been dramatic: In 1971, 300,000 high school girls played sports; today, that number is more like 3 million. Women now outnumber men in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, and earn more doctoral degrees. They are increasingly visible in positions of authority, from the C-Suite to the Supreme Court.
Yet, there's still far to go before we can claim true equality for women -- in sports, or in the workplace. And while it's tempting to blame everything on male chauvinist bias, the truth is, women are part of the problem.
As an owner of three professional sports teams in Washington DC, I know that many corporate sponsors still look at women's sports as second string. Men's sports teams are front page news; women's achievements get buried in the back. Yet, as Patrick Pexton, ombudsman of the Washington Post, writes, these choices reflect the reality that "women as well as men are more interested in men's pro teams and men's sports generally than they are in women's teams or women's sports, and by large margins." If women don't think women's pro sports are worth watching, then why should anyone else?
Some studies show that even female athletes say they'd rather play for a male coach. Likewise, in the workplace, while 43 percent of Americans say they don't care about the gender of their bosses, among those who do, even women say they'd rather work for a man.
I've heard too many stories from young women who've reached out to more senior female colleagues for career guidance and advice, only to be rebuffed or ignored. I've seen too many women engage in the backstabbing behavior captured in a line from Bridesmaids: "Why can't you be happy for me and then go home and talk about me behind my back like a normal person?" Worst of all, studies show that while men are more likely than women to be workplace bullies, 80 percent of female bullies target other women.
It could be that women are fighting each other because there are still so few spots at the top. Women hold more than half of all management, professional, and related positions, yet, according to research organization Catalyst, just 13.5 percent of executive officer jobs.
But if women won't champion their female colleagues, then why would their male superiors? I say, it's time to start cheering for the home team -- not out of some syrupy sisterhood, but because if we don't stand up and make some noise, then no one else will either. Women have got to be more willing to support and speak out for one another -- and, at the very least, to stop blocking, betraying, or belittling one another's success.
So, here's a challenge: In honor of Title IX, take your family to a women's sporting event. Celebrate the strength and competitive spirit of the women on the court or field. Pay attention to the way those female teammates trust, collaborate, and communicate with each other, and bring that kind of leadership and mutual support back into the workplace as well.
If our society is to fully champion women, women have to champion one another.
Rosalind Wiseman: The NEA and WWE's New Anti-Bullying Campaign
Title IX - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972
Rich Perlberg: Title IX helps level the playing field
Feds to investigate Title IX compliance
Is Title IX a roadblock to paying college athletes? Feeling sorry for Jim ...
Cutting sports is a shame, but Title IX is not to blame
Better yet, let's mount them on the wall.
It's why I encourage team sports among young girls and kids in general. Great way to promote real-world empowerment and the benefits of supporting your teammates which both have great payoffs for kids as they enter the adult world.
Spirits have no sex, age, height, weight, measure or achievement. The truth of mankind and the universe.
When my female boss wanted to let two slackers go--both freelance, one male, one female--she was told to let the guy go, but not the woman, because HR feared a sex-discrimination suit.
I also know that most women internalize second-class status from day one. I realize they are simply treating me, most likely, the way they were treated. Questioning the status quo is an arduous process. It's even harder to become aware of poisonous thinking patterns which stem from gendered double-standards...and harder still, to put that knowledge into motion. It takes courage. Many will hate you for gaining self-respect.
On the other hand, I know some wonderful women. Deeply caring, kind, warm, and stronger than steel. They have learned the hard way that it's okay to say 'no', it's not okay to be anybody's doormat, and paddling your own canoe is sublime. But when it comes time to helping others who have given them RESPECT, they are first in line. I am there when needed too...no questions asked.
I recently attended the funeral of one of my dearest friends...a veterinarian in her early 40's. It was so packed, her women friends had to line up outside because of the multitudes at the wake. What you give, is what you get in life...
P.S. Did anyone notice the gloating men in this thread who were so delighted to see the trashing?
Men can gloat at women accepting our common humanity instead of seeing themselves as victims of male oppression that no longer exists. You may meet a man who does not treat you well but that does not make you oppressed or a second class citizen nor should a man say the same because a women treated him badly. Either gender can come up with some woe is me sob story. If today's women are still internalizing second class status I can show her plenty of men doing the same to themselves.
I think you are lying ed. Your previous posts show that is not the case.
I think you are intimidated big time, and that is the root of your posts.
You get what needs to be done by persistance and letting them think they are using their own ideas.
Stroke the male ego?
Acting disingenuiosly sweet and coyingly irritating, that is not a genuine form of communication.
It is all about sincerity and intent.
maternal role. Yikes !
Raising a family is an exercise in sacrifice. You sacrifice your time for the needs of others. You sacrifice your money to pay for others' needs. You sacrifice your energy for the needs of others.
Raising a family necessitates an element of selflessness which those without children often don't understand or appreciate.
Men don't have a effective culture of mentorship. Schools are filled with adult women, and only a small portion of boys will participate in sports at a level where that kind of mentorship takes place. Male college athletes competing at high levels have serious problems graduating so I doubt this mentorship is all that effective where it counts.
Their are plenty of men who are doormats for men and women alike. They are agreeable kind people pleasers who often follow the same path a 'good girl' does except their gender role demands they be aggressive in some way to seek a mate. Men like these often end up not doing very well with the ladies.
Women are doing great so don't sell them or yourself short. If anything boys could learn a thing or two from them about keeping on track. Women at this point are not a victims of anything except their own preconceptions. If all this female empowerment talk has not gotten them going I don't know what will.
Not just executives though; the lowly employees are just as vexing.
I have been working in the corporate world for over 10 years now and most of my problems have been with women. Uninvited problems I might add. Sure, there have been a few exhausting men along the way, but I gotta say that most of the petty characters I have come across have been women.
Yes, women should support one another. But they don't and won't.
They don't see each other as sisters - rather as enemies to tear down.
On my own Blog - I have ranted about The Bullying Game in the Workplace - inspired, of course, by women. http://www.thoughtiswack.com/TheBullyingGameintheWorkplace.html
Sometimes I feel like a traitor to be talking about women as enemies, but what to say or do? Most of them have proven themselves to be no different than men. Women are just as manipulative, self-serving, and cutthroat as their fellow brothers.
~Addis
http://www.thoughtiswack.com/index.html
Pink ceiling, nice