Many of my classmates have heard me talk about a
proposal that I have been working really hard at. The proposal is to add two
doublewide manufactured homes to our work property. Our building sits on a big
corner lot that would not only accommodate both additions but a large fenced play
yard for the children. My plan is to have one wing house our A&D clients
and services and the second would be a children’s wing. Sounds great doesn’t
it? My proposal is quarter the cost of a quote the Commissioners received 4
years ago to build a new building and yet they still won’t approve my proposal.
My Director is 100% behind me, as well as every county supervisor and director
of every agency that we work with to include our advisory board. The bias, prejudice
and oppression are coming from our three commissioners that of course are who
makes the decision. They cannot
conceive that a woman could have come up with such a flawless plan. Every
concern and question that they can think of to throw at me, I have been able to
answer and show how it was already addressed in the proposal. Their “good old
boy” prejudice against women is maddening! I am so angry with these ridiculous
men that I can hardly see straight. We are so cramped for space in our current
building that we can’t provide all the services that we need to. So my boss and
I discussed it and of course the project is far more important than my ego so
he has been having meetings with each of the commissioners, getting their questions
and concerns and then coming back and working with me for his answers. He has
managed to sway two of the three commissioners so far with my information and
plans. I was the one that had to change my tactics for this project to have a
chance and I think it is a darn shame.
Jenn Pore`
I like your post, mainly because it is interesting to see how some people still think sometimes. Though this can be a very frustrating process because you probably will not get the recognition deserved, try to remember that it is for the children and their benefits and well-being. As you would have stated the project is more important than your ego.
ReplyDeleteKiendra,
ReplyDeleteI am curious, how do you know they are not accepting the plan due to sexism?
It is sad that in some cases sexism transpires when a female or male does something that is predominately done by the other sex. In traditional dominant culture thinking. I have even caught myself thinking that way. For example, when I see a girlfriend cutting the lawn. I automatically think, why isn't her husband doing that? I think it very indignantly. In my thinking the man of the house does the heavy yard work. At one point I did ask my friend why she cuts the lawn and not her man. She said she loves doing it, she does a lot of thinking when doing yard work. I was shocked, tried yard work and decided nope, I think better in the shower or washing dishes. LOL. I am trying to figure out if this was a sexist way of thinking that was instilled in me growing up.
Hello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI am agree with you about how men are so disrespectful when it comes to taking women seriously in the workplace. It is maddening! We have to go above and beyond our male counterparts to get a third of the respect that is just given to men because they are men. Women are very competent and can propose ideas, plans, and anything else and see them through. I am glad you were able to change your tactics to make them see and hear your proposal. You are the one who is making a difference, and that is admirable.