I recently posted an article entitled “Are you as Courageous as a Baby Squirrel”? Many readers sent in very thoughtful and informative comments. The most thought provoking comment was from a man who asked, “Whoever said the squirrel was male”? Uh Oh.
Memo to Dumont: Hey, Dumont, stop making assumptions, period! Moreover, don’t pass them on unless you’ve checked your “facts”.
The fact is that I have no idea whether the squirrel was female or male. (I don’t think he or she would have let me close enough to determine gender attributes.) The point is that I am guilty of making assumptions that have become embedded in our culture. They are so insidious and persistent that we tend not to notice that they have become part of our psyche.
As a career coach, I am committed to improving others’ lives. How can I do that if I have made assumptions about them before even hearing their story? There are many before me who have been trailblazers in enlightening us about gender discrimination. The only thing I know for sure of is that this comment on my article stopped me dead in my tracks. It’s a lesson to me and hopefully for my sisters and brothers who seek equality for all.
P.S.
To all of my sisters. Don’t perpetuate false assumptions. Take a few moments to consider whether you are subconsciously buying into the systemic stereotypes imbedded in our culture. Without doubt, there has been much progress…but the work is not over. Until there is parity among the rates of hires, opportunities for promotions, salaries and mentoring our work is not done.
Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D.
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All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010
Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and give the author name credit.
Dumont Gerken Owen, Ph.D.
email hidden; JavaScript is required
Tweet Me: http://twitter.com/dumontowen
Visit my website and blog, to download a free copy of “Five Secrets to Job Search Success” and receive juicy career tips and free offers.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010
Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and give the author name credit.
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