January 11, 2021
Did you know that gender inequality is propped up by the sexist banter we engage in with each other, the things we say to our kids, the jokes we tell (and laugh at) at work or at the pub, the subtle implications that women and their voices, experience and expertise are worth less than that of men?
We’re all floating in and absorbing a “soup” of sexism and gender stereotypes, and often, even when we know that something someone has said is unacceptable, disrespectful or discriminatory, we’re scared of the confrontation that might come from calling out a joke or comment. Especially if it’s a friend who has said it.
However, you know what they say – The standard you walk past, you accept.
With sexism and gender stereotypes being major drivers of violence against women, failing to call out disrespectful behaviour or comments perpetuates broader inequalities and harms in our society.
Well, today we’re calling on you to make 2021 the year of standing strong, having each other’s back and calling it out sexism. And we reckon this article is a top place to start, when thinking about why you might commit to action of this kind.
In the article, Dr Michael Flood and Dr Michael Beard talk about a great set of simple tactics for objecting to a sexist remark, or having a conversation with a mate about behaviour you think is inappropriate.
Do you have any tips of your own? How do you think you might go about calling out sexism whenever and wherever you see it this year?