Encountering a Sexist Pig

Yes I’m about to off on a tangent. And once you read the entire blog, you will see why I am so frustrated at the moment.

Very recently, I started a job and on my first day, I had to plaster advertisments around the building. I didn’t really know where things went since it was my first day and I was extremely nervous since I wanted to make a great impression on the manager.

There was a custodian sweeping the floor in the building and he saw me standing in confusion, thinking about the perfect placement for the ads. (I’m quite a perfectionist at my jobs so I understand that it might baffle people to see me standing there for a good minute, staring at the wall) 

He had a very friendly demeanor but on the other hand, he also seemed a little “off,” in his facial expressions. For example: His question sounded very friendly, yet his entire face was grimaced. (Not a very appealing expression if you ask me.)

He laughed and asked,

“Do you need help Miss? You look sorta confused.”

I proceeded to say,

“Well, I’m looking for a good spot to put the ads and I’m not quite sure where it looks best. [laugh] It’s my first day so I want it to be perfect.”

I didn’t expect him to help me. I didn’t want sympathy and I wasn’t trying to pull a damsel in distress act. What I wanted for him to do is what I expect any normal person to do. Laugh, walk away, and leave me be. But instead, he grabbed the ads, put them in a random spot, and before walking away, he added:

“Wow, you ARE a girl. It’s the easiest task, yet you make it hard.”

First of all, I can take a joke. I’m pretty good at reading people, and if he laughed at the end, did a little friendly hand gesture, or even if he said it in a joking manner, I would still be offended but I would not let it affect me. This guy said it and looked at me with narrowed eyes like he truly religiously believed it. He was DEAD SERIOUS.

Plus I’m not stupid. I can read between the lines and sense his underlying tone. I’m not mad that he practically insulted me, but I’m mad at him insinuating that all females are stupid. 
People like him constantly surprise me with their idiocy. The fact that he was using “females” as a metaphor for “stupidity” just irks me. He said it as if they go hand in hand.

I looked at him, rolled my eyes and walked away. I was so worried about my job that for a quick second, I excused it. But you know if I could turn back time, you know what I would’ve told him?

“Um…yeah I am a girl. And wow, you ARE an idiot. Opening your mouth when nothing useful really comes out.”

If only, if only…

This sexism needs to die, seriously. Some of the beliefs that still exist in this world just amaze me.

xoxo Hunni

2 Comentários em “Encountering a Sexist Pig”

John Steven @ 11-04-2010 - 03:06

Well, take note that with his attitude he is stuck sweeping the floor as a custodian, while you are out being successful and going places!

Lil @ 17-04-2010 - 22:35

wow. i can’t believe this! when did this happen?