It’s a sexist world

By Maheen A Rashdi

Many worthy minds were offended when I allegedly wrote a, ‘blatantly biased conclusion’ of men’s behaviour regarding flirtation. Some said it was ‘appalling in its unapologetically sexist assumptions’ and that it ‘fell short of addressing the grave problem of sexual harassment that women experience on a daily basis in the workplace.’ To begin with, the problem of sexual harassment is not just ‘grave’ it is unpardonable, however the article in question was not about sexual harassment – a crime punishable by law in competent countries – but on a ‘hobby’ which members of both sexes tend to indulge in, in their more frivolous moments.
Nevertheless, it was a sticky subject, and opinions – from moralists, injured parties or any other deliberator – will always differ, which is healthy enough as long as all debaters agree to disagree amicably. But since the spectre of sexual harassment has been raised by some worthy readers in relation to the innocuous habit of flirting, I would like to draw a parallel between sexual insinuations, woman power and our sexist world.
In the US election we saw a lot of woman power. Hillary, riding on her husband’s coattails in an attempt to make history for herself as the first woman president and Palin riding on… well, just riding to reach anywhere hoping someone will give her a giddy up!
Featuring in one of the most significant world event, these women set out with the idea to give the ultimate boost to women’s place in the world. Instead, they seem to have lost a bit more than the election bids, having bruised the collective ego of women all around. Mainly, because they simply could not be seen totally beyond their existence as women.
While Hillary has many competencies and an illustrious resume, she never gained a sweeping support from women because of her obvious lust for power – the lust which made her overlook her husband’s and hence, brought her down in many self-respecting women’s eyes.
And as for Palin, her eye batting and provocative demeanour coupled with her total lack of knowledge showed her to be more eligible either for, America’s next top model (if they adjusted the age restrictions) or ‘Are you smarter than a fifth grader? (On second thoughts, no! Even those kids know that Africa is a continent!).
So feminine charms and high velocity woman power both failed in this round of the US presidency, confirming that we live in a sexist world which sees professional women first as worthy women and then deigns (if they so deserve) to recognize their professional persona. Whereas in most cases, men may be as bigoted as they like in their personal life, it seldom overshadows their professional stature.
Despite her achievements, it is difficult to see Hillary beyond what she accepted as an insulted wife and while enjoying Palin’s beauty and blunders and wanting to ‘hug her’, men would rather have her pin up in their room than give her the vote!
Sexual harassment has many faces. Among the many hidden daggers drawn against women in the professional arena, one is almost always held by a woman colleague. How many times has it happened when a wily woman charms her way into snatching that much deserved promotion from under the competent woman’s nose? And why should men not let themselves get beguiled by these women who feed their ego? After all, history is replete with such incidents which have brought upheavals in the Mughal courts, the Roman Empire, in myths of Greek deities, in harems and wherever else women vie for power. Should this not be called sexual harassment?
Men function on one main premise – to be hailed as great beings! And that quest defines their behaviour towards women in every arena. Some show a truly distinguished character while others remain fit for the dog-house their entire life, not ever rising beyond the concept of women as men’s playthings. And there still aren’t enough laws against this breed who make life hell for their female counterpart.
Our story of evolution however, still continues. And these dastardly behaved individuals should not be allowed to break the feminine essence. Feminism and women’s lib has made great leaps since the early twentieth century when the Suffragate stood up to fight for the right to vote.
But liberated though the modern woman has become, she still often uses her woman power on many levels – conscious and subconscious. Sometimes by defying it totally and appearing as a nominee for the women’s lib award and at other times using it craftily as a weapon to further ambition. The initial victory of women’s acceptance as a force to reckon with has again become lost in translation by confining the concept of liberation to radical clothing or brazen behaviour. Unfortunately, sometimes this gives those who are fit for the doghouse, an excuse to exploit.
Numerous women – despite the odds – have still achieved a perfect balance between professionalism and womanhood to accomplish awesome feats. But for many of us there are still miles to go before all notions of sexism get purged from the human minds. And on the way we will perpetually be treading that thin line to get acclaimed solely for our capabilities without losing our womanliness. Plus, it would be best to prepare for all forms of sexual harassment which will continue impeding our progress on the way – from men as well as women, unless both sexes start believing in their capabilities instead of exploiting the other’s weakness.