Sexism In Psychology

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Sexism is defined as, “1. Attitudes or behavior based on traditional stereotypes of gender roles. 2. Discrimination or devaluation based on a person’s sex or gender, as in restricted job opportunities, especially such discrimination directed against women. 3. Ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against or hatred of women; misogyny” (Dictionary.com). Sexism was never an issue I expected to face when I walked into my Anatomy and Physiology lab. I was wrapping up a journal entry when a fellow student approached me and asked me about my fire department t-shirt that I was wearing. He asked me who was on the fire department, a question I have received many times because it seems to always be assumed that either my father or a significant other…show more content…
If it feels good to say it, you probably shouldn’t say it.” I ended the conversation as professionally and as politely as possible, but by the time he walked away I felt defeated and stripped of my hard earned Firefighter title. I was cornered in a situation where I was made to feel like an inadequate liar. The questions I was asked are not questions you ask a fellow firefighter. He never would have asked a male Firefighter the questions he asked me, a man does not get asked if he is the secretary. I was in the top of my recruit class, I passed my national certifications flawlessly and I have been through grueling, real-life challenges, but none of my accomplishments seemed feasible because I was a young woman. I felt helpless and physically constricted because he tried so hard to put me into such a small preconceived idea. I did the right thing however by remaining professional and not letting my emotions get the best of me. Ultimately, I just felt bad for him because he will never experience the incredible value of women in the fire service. After that experience I have made it a point to be as involved as possible with community outreach opportunities whether it’s a school lunch, CPR class or just teaching new Firefighters during our recruit academies; the only way to potentially change any negative views is by positive example and
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