"Giving women a safe place to ask questions without feeling dumb, isn't sexist. It's empowering." - me on Facebook
That's right, I just quoted MYSELF. Why? Because I started a conversation on Facebook today when complaining about the amount of men who have made snarky comments about the fact that my bike shop is hosting women's only mechanics clinics every Tuesday in October. And, as always, I had to justify myself....so here ya go.
I'm lucky to work for a man who respects me and my perspective as a woman. In fact...it's part of the reason WHY I work for him. I'm lucky enough to work in a community that mostly encourages women to be active and equal to their male counterparts. I work with a bunch of guys who respect me and, dare I say it, even like me sometimes (doubtful)!
My industry isn't just male dominated in the people I work WITH, but also in the people that frequent my business. 98% of the time that is wonderful and I LOVE what I do. However, there's that 2% of the time where I put up with flippant misogynistic comments and sometimes outright sexual objectification. The thought of bringing it up or pointing it out terrifies me because I know I'll be laughed at and judged as being "too sensitive". I say regularly that if I took every shit comment made my way to heart, I'd be a miserable bitch.
Most of it doesn't make me angry....it's something I've grown used to and I've learned to deal with. Wanna know what DOES make me angry? It's when I recognize that some of my female customers feel uncomfortable when walking into a bike shop and I find a way to make them comfortable then am met with men telling me I'm "sexist" and "unfair".
Do me a favor, man complaining that I'm sexist and unfair....have a man look you in the eye with a dropper post in his hand and ask you if you like his rod. Or another giggle as he tells you that he's "really wide" when trying to sell him shoes. Or have a sales rep ask to speak to another man....literally ANY man....because you are the chick who answered the phone. For reference, these are 3 specific examples that have happened in Colorado in the last 9 months.
If you're laughing, you're the problem. And if you're cringing because that'd be inappropriate and uncomfortable, then welcome.
I work here. I'm in it. My female customers? They don't see half of it and are STILL uncomfortable. So you don't get to bitch at me because I want to offer a safe place for women to ask questions, get answers and LEARN to be better participants in the same sport you claim to love. They and most of you don't have to see the really ugly parts, so let me do what I need to do to spread the bike love.
Last night was the last night of our 2 part novice clinic. It was where we had a hands on presentation of how to change a flat. There were high fives and, "I'm so glad we get to do this" and "OH! That's a great trick!" comments.
Male or female, if you are into bikes and that doesn't remind you of YOU at some point in your cycling "career" and bring a smile to your face, then you are the problem.
That's right, I just quoted MYSELF. Why? Because I started a conversation on Facebook today when complaining about the amount of men who have made snarky comments about the fact that my bike shop is hosting women's only mechanics clinics every Tuesday in October. And, as always, I had to justify myself....so here ya go.
I'm lucky to work for a man who respects me and my perspective as a woman. In fact...it's part of the reason WHY I work for him. I'm lucky enough to work in a community that mostly encourages women to be active and equal to their male counterparts. I work with a bunch of guys who respect me and, dare I say it, even like me sometimes (doubtful)!
My industry isn't just male dominated in the people I work WITH, but also in the people that frequent my business. 98% of the time that is wonderful and I LOVE what I do. However, there's that 2% of the time where I put up with flippant misogynistic comments and sometimes outright sexual objectification. The thought of bringing it up or pointing it out terrifies me because I know I'll be laughed at and judged as being "too sensitive". I say regularly that if I took every shit comment made my way to heart, I'd be a miserable bitch.
Most of it doesn't make me angry....it's something I've grown used to and I've learned to deal with. Wanna know what DOES make me angry? It's when I recognize that some of my female customers feel uncomfortable when walking into a bike shop and I find a way to make them comfortable then am met with men telling me I'm "sexist" and "unfair".
Do me a favor, man complaining that I'm sexist and unfair....have a man look you in the eye with a dropper post in his hand and ask you if you like his rod. Or another giggle as he tells you that he's "really wide" when trying to sell him shoes. Or have a sales rep ask to speak to another man....literally ANY man....because you are the chick who answered the phone. For reference, these are 3 specific examples that have happened in Colorado in the last 9 months.
If you're laughing, you're the problem. And if you're cringing because that'd be inappropriate and uncomfortable, then welcome.
I work here. I'm in it. My female customers? They don't see half of it and are STILL uncomfortable. So you don't get to bitch at me because I want to offer a safe place for women to ask questions, get answers and LEARN to be better participants in the same sport you claim to love. They and most of you don't have to see the really ugly parts, so let me do what I need to do to spread the bike love.
Last night was the last night of our 2 part novice clinic. It was where we had a hands on presentation of how to change a flat. There were high fives and, "I'm so glad we get to do this" and "OH! That's a great trick!" comments.
Male or female, if you are into bikes and that doesn't remind you of YOU at some point in your cycling "career" and bring a smile to your face, then you are the problem.
Comments
Post a Comment
Questions? Comments? Share away!
Buzz kill? Keep on moving!