undefined | Better HN

0 pointsAmadou12y ago0 comments

Men can get away with making sexist jokes (or even not-jokes) around other men. You don't have to think so hard about how what you say might be perceived. Taking the overhead of that mental filter out of the loop lets men feel more at ease around each other.

I'm not making a moral judgment, just describing what I've seen over the years as to one explanation of how men can have a subconscious bias that prefers hiring men.

0 comments

6 comments · 2 top-level

bitops12y ago· 4 in thread

> Men can get away with making sexist jokes (or even not-jokes) around other men.

That's an important observation and plays a huge role in perpetuating sexism and gender discrimination. It continues to exist because guys let other guys get away with it. If you speak up and indicate that you're not okay with it, behaviors and attitudes may change.

It's not easy and it requires courage. But it's necessary to really make a dent in the historical patterns.

sliverstorm12y ago

Maybe it isn't a problem that needs fixing? Maybe making work another place of constant judgement and time under the PC microscope would not be a net positive?

Remember there's a difference between bare-faced misogyny and garden variety politically incorrectness.

dominotw12y ago

Nice observation. One of my colleague got a stern warning for using the word dick ( 'dont be a dick' kind of way) around female colleagues, because two women sitting behind him complained to management about it. I am sure he is not discriminatory, biased or misogynistic.

I guess it wise to think about what you are saying and not say stuff like 'fuck off', 'stop bitching' which may be construed as inappropriate.

4 more replies

bitops12y ago

I'm certainly not advocating that work should be a place of constant judgment. And I'm not fan of being under a constant behavioral microscope.

I do find it important that work be a place where I feel respected and safe. Eliminating sexism and gender discrimination in the workplace is part of that effort.

mcguire12y ago

Maybe it would be better if the women stayed home and did whatever it is that they do there?

Unfortunately, the economy over the last 40 years has demonstrated that that option is sub-optimal.

Or did you mean by "time under the PC microscope" and "garden variety politically incorrectness" that you are ok if other people are uncomfortable, as long as you aren't?

1 more reply

prutschman12y ago

Cultural norms among men create pressure not to call out other men for misogynist and homophobic "humor." A man might be able to "get away with" making such remarks around other men, but it is very incorrect to infer that a lack of complaints means everyone around you is actually at ease.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse