We hear countless sexist comments over our lifetimes, and most of the time we shrug them off. But what about the words that can’t or won’t be so easily dismissed? A lifetime of absorbing sexism (starting at birth, when studies show people assign gender traits) leads to frustration and kills our self-confidence. At a young age we learn to follow certain behaviors based on traditional gender roles. Too often those who do not align with acceptable gendered boundaries are treated as outcasts or outsiders.
Gender-based microaggressions are subtle phrases or acts directed at us by others that make us doubt ourselves. These seemingly small acts of sexism contribute to the gender leadership gap, which creates a cyclical problem: Women are underrepresented, so their work is devalued, and so they devalue themselves, and on and on.
Hearing these comments day in and day out affects our personal, intellectual, and professional choices.
Answer the 4 prompts below:
- What are some other examples of sexist comments you’ve heard throughout your life? Are there certain spaces where you’re more likely to hear them?
Here are some examples to start the conservation:
- “Won’t your kids distract you from work?”
- “What does your husband think about that?”
- “Girls just aren’t good at science.”
- “Honey; Sweetie; Sugar”
- “Your outfit is too distracting.”
- “You should smile more.”
- “Women are too emotional.” “You’re too pretty to be taken seriously.”
- “Women aren’t natural leaders.”
- “Boys don’t cry”
- “Man up”
- “Boys will be boys”
- “That’s just locker room talk”
2. Can you remember the first time you heard an “everyday” sexist comment? In what ways have these comments shaped your paths — for good and bad?
3. How do you think everyday sexism affects women’s college experiences? What about their career paths?
4. In what ways does sexism affect men? List 2
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