While describing sexism in the context of comedy, Kathy Griffin also points out the same could be said for any job or workplace.
Titled “(For Men Only)” because I have suggestions for how men should read Kathy Griffin’s thread. (I have no idea how women will or should read it.)
First, men should read this thread (A – Z) aloud to other men. Silently skimming it and nodding along may provide some benefit, but not much.
Second, read slowly and offer comments and discussion after every tweet. Reflecting back on women in your workplaces, are there instances that resonate with Griffin’s comments? What if anything did you do then? What if anything would you do differently now?
Third, telecommuting is no excuse for not doing #1 and #2. Find yourself a discussion partner to work through this thread.
I make these suggestions because changing ourselves (men) and hence workplace environments, requires effort. Saying we are different, getting a certificate we have been trained, assuring each other we are different, or that we aren’t as bad as Louis CK, doesn’t count.
Effort requires that we think about ourselves, our history with women, what a better future for women requires of us and steps we can take towards putting our new awareness into action.
Only we, by listening to women (#1), can work with women to create a better world for our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters,… for us all.