Dear Ms. Communicate,
I am still perplexed (but mostly angered) with what is termed “women's issues”. Childcare has been deemed the most essential concern for all women. Equality, especially where pay equity is concerned, is another.
When I even hear the term, I almost shudder because of the exclusivity it infers. Are young people to adopt it into their mindsets? If so, girls and women may feel that childcare and so on is to remain at the top of their list and that the environment, politics in general et al, should not be of great concern.
Equally worrisome is how young men will or do interpret things categorized as women's issues, in that they need not concern themselves with childcare and the like.
We are doing this generation a disservice and essentially proliferating sexism.
I emailed CBC NewsWorld concerning the ratio of women to men on camera as well as the ratio of women asked for their opinion during their election coverage within communities. I did the math and found that women only represent 17 to 21 per cent of the Canadian population, depending on which article you viewed. (The reporter's gender was left out of the equation). It became obvious that men's opinions were highly valued and sought after.
Sexism in the media is so widespread that I have grave concerns for the young women whose voice is collectively being quelled at all angles. Just look at parliamentary representation – that further underscores my remarks.
Thanks for listening.
L. Graham
Dear L,
I know you didn’t ask an actual question, but I want to post your letter, because as of today, October 3, we have a federal election in 11 days. And what’s been framed as women’s issues, some of which you identified in your letter, are vital and important issues.
We don’t have gender parity (in the media, in Parliament, or pretty much anywhere) because, in a patriarchy, we are all taught to view men’s opinions /authority/knowledge at higher levels than women. We’ve also been taught the same about the opinions, etc. of white people more than people of colour and Aboriginal people. And so on.
The media won’t change, so either we create our own media, which some of us have already done, or we compel/force the current media to match what we’re looking for. It’s a slow and painful process, working on change from both within and outside our flawed and problematic institutions. I believe it’s possible, though. I’m an optimist.
Oh, and have you checked out babble? I think you’ll like it there.
Ms. C.
