Quote:quote:Originally posted by Steve-B
Quote:quote:As for the sexism, I hate to say it but there are still some people like that in the world,
Hey dont be like that, there is nothing wrong with appreciating a tit... unless it comes in the shape of Mark Horton... [hm]
Les Dawson-ish or manboobs, after talking with many women about this, there is a point to be made (although it is quite funny too and I'm not trying to sap all the life of the workplace.. honest :face-approve
All this is different of course if men know the women very well. We all have male friends that we take (and give) a bit more in the joshing department. I just thought the whole issue needed a bit more definition.
Men look at (young) women a lot and it's okay if they're not too obvious/drooling/still able to speak. If they're being obvious they should be prepared for some comment, welly boot swipe or complaint from the women concerned. Women really do see excessive 'tit' (or bottom) appreciation as an annoyance and/or threat. While I agree with Peter that violence isn't the answer, women often react that way - not enough to cause serious or even slight injury, but enough to make a point. I confess that I have (in my younger days) 'accidently' stood on a man's foot rather hard in a similar retaliation. Other types of comment can be made if women do say something - 'do you have your period?/do you need a Prozac?/have you not had sex for a while?' which are also received badly on the whole.
If men have women in a junior position they should be extra sensitive to it. Women often are under pressure to sleep with their boss (and I'm not saying archaeology is bad, but if you worked as a student in a bar, in an office etc, it happens too). If male supervisors have a young woman in the trench on her hands and knees trowelling and they make it a habit to stand in front or her, or behind her, she's clocked him doing it and probably wishes he wouldn't. Also if women are involved in doing some particularly physical work (fast shovelling/mattocking etc) - we do notice if work slows around us and there's a bit of an audience! We know our boobs jiggle, we can get out of breath and it can be a bit sexy.... but it's WORK! Many women like feeling sexy and appreciated - but not pressured. That's the difference.
Lastly, women will rarely tackle the issue directly. If a man is a bit inappropriate, women will often leave workplaces and move on. But they tell other women about it and there are men who have terrible reputations..... (don't go near him, he'll pinch your bum... watch so and so after two/three pints etc).
I actually think archaeology is much better than many disciplines which is why I'm so disappointed with Bonekickers. Men in archaeology on the whole are lovely, but there are some bad apples.
Thanks
