Men and women are inherently different. Aside from the obvious physical characteristics, their behaviors and thought processes are different. It’s quite interesting that many individuals believe that in a working environment, these differences magically fade or become irrelevant. This is an unfortunate misconception. Obviously there are always exceptions, as each situation is unique.

Studies have shown with undeniable data, in support of the theory, which men in general, think about sex, multiple times throughout any given day. Men are visual and physical creatures, allowing their senses to manipulate their thoughts and behaviors. Women are emotional creatures by nature, allowing their emotions to manipulate their thoughts. Argument to this is moot. It is what it is, so to speak. As a society, we recognize this. But in the work place we pretend it does not exist.

The workplace is often called “a man’s world”, and for all intensive purposes, it is. For many reasons, including pay scale, opportunity for advancement, and even perception of expectation. Although, laws and policies have been created to eliminate inequality in the workplace, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that can be done regarding the perceptions and thought processes of those involved.

In the following paragraphs, I will share with you my personal experiences of being a woman in a workplace dominated by men.

I entered the automotive industry as a laborer. With no higher education and little work experience, I was quite pleased to be employed. The realities of my existence there soon became apparent. These realities took the form of comments with sexual undertone, obvious interest and attention, stares and “wandering eyes” from my male co-workers. This was not to go unnoticed by my female co-workers. Much to my disappointment in my proverbial sisters, I was often sneered at, gossiped about and generally dismissed as a person of any real value. For the record, I did not dress any differently then any other female at my workplace. I did not behave any differently than any other female at my workplace. I learned to accept this for what it was.

I was promoted to a managerial position, with obvious raise in pay. I earned the position through hard work, going above and beyond, exceeding expectation and concentrating on the task at hand. But many often questioned my promotion and attributed it to my gender and physical appearance. This incorrect assumption, forced me to work even harder, in an effort to prove my abilities. Others in managerial positions adapted their style of dress to a more “upscale” appearance. I did not; I continued to downplay my appearance, making every effort to bring my abilities to attention. I soon realized that the raise I had received in connection with the promotion was substantially less than that of my predecessor, a male. I was receiving the equivalent to half of the amount of what the pay scale was for the job. I brought this to my superiors’ attention. I deliberately and systematically questioned my superior with the following:

“Do you think I am meeting the expectations and fulfilling the duties of which my position requires?”

He replied, “Yes”

“Are you satisfied with my job performance?”

He replied, “Very much so, your doing an excellent job, you’re the best employee we have.”

“Are you aware that I am being paid substantially less than that of my predecessor?”

He replied, “Yes, what are you getting at?”

I must say, that it took every ounce of strength that I could muster to bite my tongue and behave in a respectful and professional manner.

“Please explain to me why I am not being paid equally”

He replied, “Do you intend to sue me?”

“I simply want you to do what is right and just, that is all”

I received my equal pay accompanied with additional duties. I accepted that. Perhaps, to my own fault, I liked my job; I was good at my job, I needed my job.

I continued working with my company and encountered many gender related experiences and situations. When a new client would be coming in, who happened to be male, I would be summoned to the meet and greet, although unrelated to my title and position. I would be encouraged to “doll myself up”, with the proverbial “atta girl” pat on the back for these meetings. Although I did not support such underhanded tactics, they were undeniably effective and advantageous to the company. Business is business, by any means necessary to achieve the goal. I began to question the motivation behind my success. I began to deny myself the ability to take pride in my accomplishments and found myself starting to buy into the male mentality of my personal worth. I resigned. It was a simple matter of principle and integrity.

The inherent sexual thought process of the male and the inherent sensual appearance of the female is a law of nature and can be a very effective strategy when used for the purpose of manipulation. If you do not believe this theory, look around you. This theory is being used everywhere in all shapes and forms. Inside the workplace, advertising to consumers, music, arts, and the media.

This is nothing new. It is simply becoming more prevalent as society as a whole continues to distance itself from moral accountability. This is an unfortunate and sad reality that women must accept. We do not have to agree with it, or even like it. But, we must accept it for what it is. Because at the end of the day, no matter whom you are or what you have achieved; a man will look at you as a woman first and as an individual second. One has to wonder though, how times have changed and women are becoming a strong presence in the work force, as to what was the true purpose of gender discrimination, so many years ago. Is it possible, that women were denied certain rights not because men perceived them as inferior, but because men recognized their own inability to perceive them as equal individuals rather than objects of sexual desire? Therefore, admitting to their flaws and weaknesses as a gender. It’s just a thought.