glass ceilings

[sandra]

i did a search and found nothing on this topic (is that even possible after 7 years??). so here ya go...

now that we're much older and working, considering most of us were students when we first starting posting on this thing, what are some experiences that you had with the glass ceiling or discrimination in the workplace? would you even recognize institutionalized sexism or discrimination if you saw it? would you file a complaint or would you fear retaliation? has anything seemed possibly sexist but you decided against speaking up because you didn't trust your own instincts or you were afraid you were oversensitive?

share :)

[urbia]

I've been thinking about the term 'glass ceiling,' and while it does describe a phenomenon where racism and discrimination is covert, does anyone else find that it's too "soft" a word? Sometimes I think it should be renamed to tell it like it is.

It's plain sabotage, as simple as that.

Oftentimes, in situations with racist/sexist comments in the workplace, there's the accusation with the woman/minority worker is accused of being 'oversensitive,' as you say. That serves as the function of making the matter subjective. It focuses on emotions. However, being denied monetary compensation for the amount of labour you put out can be measured in very objective terms. People need to make the connection that racial stereotypes = sabotaging someone. Not just 'hurting their feelings.'

How many times do you see terms thrown around in toxic workplaces like 'backstabbing,' or 'backbiting,' etc? But when it comes to sexism and racism, people use more indirect terms like the 'glass ceiling' to distant themselves from responsibility.

Racist jokes = backstabbing. And a very targeted form of it because it can only be used on certain groups.