Hi
First off: if there is anyone on the list who felt personally hurt by my
comments, please accept my unreserved apologies.
Next: review the thread.
St John's comments were sexist - he is quite honest enough not to deny that.
My response was intended to be an amusing response with a tag
acknowledging its sexist nature (and rebuking it - why else put it in?).
My assumption was that the thread would end there. I should have
guessed, however, that one or two would be only too happy to leap into
the political fray.
Claire's email, turning the scenario on its head was an excellent one
(and very witty) - I wish I'd thought of it first.
I won't bother commenting on Margaret's 'I agree' (sagely nodding dog)
emails.
Rob's email seems to suggest that I believe sexism is generally
acceptable and that I brand those who disagree as 'killjoys'. He's
obviously confusing me with someone else. However, I do feel it's
important to keep at least one foot in the real world - and am happy to
say that I am not yet totally institutionalised.
Along with many others on this list, I encounter disabled people in
difficult circumstances every day. I frequently use humour as a means of
developing rapports with those I meet, and as a defence against the sort
of experiences and pressures that often accompany the job that I do.
At UCW, I worked very successfully as the only male in a team of ten. I
can assure you that my colleagues shared my sense of humour and have
never ever suggested that my behaviour was in any way sexist (and they
are quite sufficiently aware and quite confident enough to have 'put me
right' had I stepped out of line).
Equality and respect for others is vital - though it's important, too,
to maintain a sense of perspective.
Finally: I'm certainly far from perfect (and wouldn't want to be) but
neither am I sexist - and I really don't need a lecture (a pious and
rather simplistic one at that) from a political opportunist on the
issues of gender and equal opportunities.
Sorry to sound so harsh (and still not particularly repentant). Perhaps
it is I who needs to get out more!
Regards
Peter
fidlerob wrote:
> I find it rather strange that people who advocate equal opportunities
> for students with disabilities cannot transfer their understanding
> into the area of gender equality.
> The comments made are based on a stereotype that women
> should be beautiful and tied to the kitchen sink. Would anyone
> dare transfer a similar stereotype to the area of disability; for
> example that disabled people are unfortunate and we should all feel
> sorry for them and pat them on the head when they try and say
> something. I think there would be uproar, and quite right too.
>
> It's one thing to make a discriminatory comment and regret it, but
> another to revel in it or pass it off as a bit of fun. I don't think
> branding those who complain about sexism as killjoys is
> acceptable.
> Perhaps an apology and a commitment to keep your sexism to
> yourself would be more appropriate.
>
> Rob Fidler (dyslexia support - Roehampton)
>
> On 23 Apr 2002, at 18:20, Peter Hill wrote:
>
>
>>Hi
>>
>>Guilty. Though, I'm afraid, not particularly repentant.
>>
>>Regards
>>
>>Peter Hill
>>
>>
>>Margaret Herrington wrote:
>>
>>
>>>well said Claire!!
>>>
>>>Margaret
>>>
>>> >>> [log in to unmask] 04/23/02 04:41pm >>>
>>>In an ideal world you would both be at home preparing someone's dinner
>>>and not allowed to send out sexist e-messages!!
>>>
>>>Claire
>>>
>>>On Tue, 23 Apr 2002 15:37:48 +0100 Peter Hill <[log in to unmask]>
>>>wrote:
>>>
>>> > Hi
>>> >
>>> > Skeates,St.John DEAL Awards Tm wrote:
>>> >
>>> > > In an idea world ...
>>> > > Kylie Minogue would be at home right now preparing my dinner.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Wrong again, St John. In an ideal world, she'd be at home preparing
>>>mine!
>>> >
>>> > (Tut, tut - sexist banter!)
>>> >
>>> > Regards
>>> >
>>> > Peter Hill
>>> >
>>> > --
>>> > 01527 500324
>>> > [log in to unmask]
>>> > www.study-pro.com <http://www.study-pro.com/>
>>> >
>>> > Dyslexia Consultancy and Resources
>>> >
>>>
>>>----------------------
>>>Claire Wickham
>>>Director: Access Unit - Short Courses and Outreach
>>>University of Bristol
>>>Union Building
>>>Queen's Road
>>>Clifton
>>>Bristol BS8 1LN
>>>
>>>Tel: 0117 954 5710
>>>Textphone: 0117 954 5715
>>>Fax: 0117 954 5714
>>>
>>>[log in to unmask]
>>>
>>>
>>
>>--
>>01527 500324
>>[log in to unmask]
>>www.study-pro.com
>>
>>Dyslexia Consultancy and Resources
>>
>>
>
>
>
--
01527 500324
[log in to unmask]
www.study-pro.com
Dyslexia Consultancy and Resources
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