06 oct 05
When I worked at Best Buy, there were plenty of times when I was not taken seriously by customers because I am a girl. This always amused me greatly, as I am smarter and know more about technology than a lot of the men I worked with. It’s really insulting not to be taken seriously. This happens at my job now sometimes, too.
Although I generally don’t buy into psycho feminist crap, I hate—no, abhor—the stigma that women are dumb, or at least dumber than men. Perhaps it’s prejudicial of me, but I despise women who propagate this theory. I’d like to think I live in a society where women can do anything and especially hold any job they’d like, but, some days, it seems there is still quite an uphill battle.
James / 07 oct 2005 / 1:52 a.m.
Wait.
What are you doing out of the kitchen? And are those shoes you’re wearing?
(I kid. Really. I’ll go make my own sandwich)
It is pretty sad, though, because when I look over the most talented web designers/developers I know of, it’s a pretty even split, gender-wise. The Best Buy employees I’ve encountered, however, tend not to be the brightest bunch regardless. But I have no doubt you were a shining exception to that trend.
Anthony / 07 oct 2005 / 3:45 a.m.
I’m sorry to hear that, especially since I know you can program your VCR.
OT: What was the best thing you bought with your employee discount at Best Buy?
Laura / 07 oct 2005 / 11:20 a.m.
What drove me nuts was trying to BUY technology things and not being taken seriously.
Melissa / 07 oct 2005 / 5:52 p.m.
Yeah, I get that all the time as a nurse. But I find that it’s mostly OLDER men who treat me that way. The men who grew up in earlier generations when women (like my mom) were not encouraged to go to college. They “save their questions for the doctor.” Men who are in their 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s seem to treat me more equally. They will actually ask me intelligent questions and expect an intelligent answer.
jason / 07 oct 2005 / 5:59 p.m.
I’ve noticed this too when i team-teach with one of the English teachers at school. They don’t take her as seriously as they take me. It’s sad. She’s very intelligent and not someone the kids regard as being “a joke.” But, for some reason, my penis gives me a better understanding of Walt Whitman…wait, i mean…what? why?
Jasmin / 10 oct 2005 / 5:43 a.m.
Very good point. I don’t get taken seriously when I go to the camera store. “Manual analogue” gets misunderstood as “film automatic” with instant recommendations of “this camera has fully automatic functions so no need to worry.” Then, I spout technical camera terms and their eyes widen, in appreciation or surprise I don’t know.
Rich / 07 oct 2005 / 12:21 a.m.
“I think something bounced up into my undercarriage.”
A women of class, grace and our time.
That is all.