Many individuals are accustomed to saying certain statements, which in fact can be very objectifying. Today, respect towards certain genders can be very rare. Women get expected to play certain roles, just like men are expected to play most roles, in this society. Certain remarks regarding gender and language can be hurtful to many, and can eventually manipulate one’s perspective into thinking biased opinions toward a gender, ceasing an equal opportunity for them.
Gender can be a very touchy subject. Many people often ‘sex” and gender mixed up, often concluding that they are the same thing. The term “sex” refers to the biological characteristics that define men and women. In these times, it is much more often to see individuals identify themselves as something else than just the “norm”. Different identities include Agender, Bigender, Crossdresser, Intergender, Trigender, along with many other genders.
Now, after one may explain who they are, and why they feel a certain way about their gender and sexuality, they may get judged. In fact, it is very often for one to get judged off of what they wear, how they talk, and other characteristics that are very clear to see. Judgement from certain people, such as business owners, doctors, and even family members can come towards a certain individual because of being who they want to be, getting hate, or unfair treatment in their daily lives.
Judgement and biased opinions can usually lead to to unfair treatment, which can cause many to declined for certain opportunities. For example, many people aren’t very fond of the idea of a man dressed up as a woman, especially working for them. It is usually very often for people who identify themselves other than heterosexual, to get declined a certain job position, or even marital rights.
Gender and language: Female Roles
Biased opinions against women can also effect an opportunity for oneself. For example, many have been very shocked to hear an outrageous statement made by Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella while speaking at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing on Thursday, October 9, 2014. A woman in the audience asked Nadella how women should go about asking for a raise, to which he stated:
"It's not really about asking for a raise, but knowing and having faith that the system will give you the right raise. ... That might be one of the initial 'super powers,' that quite frankly, women who don't ask for a raise have."
As outrageous and and loathsome as that was, it was hurtful in many ways. Along with Nadella, millions of other men are all guilty of the common unconscious bias all women face in the work environment. Dr. Patty Ann Tublin, for example, experienced unconscious bias. “During the beginning of a facilitation exercise”, she states, “one of the men at my table immediately turned to me and asked if I would be the "secretary" for the exercise, with the others shaking their head in agreement. Immediately I replied with a smile and said: NO - I don't think so. Just because I'm the only woman at this table doesn't mean I'm going to play secretary!" Once again, another pure example of how easily small biases can sneak into your thoughts, toward women.
Gender and language: Gender Inequality
Many have unconscious bias towards people who Identify themselves other than heterosexual. Recently, a Washington State florist refused to supply floral arrangements for the same sex couple getting married. Homosexuals are declined the opportunity to donate their blood to individuals in need of blood transfusions. “we are turning away over 50,000 healthy men who want to donate blood” stated Mike Quigley. Many cities and states do not offer protections to gay people fired from their job because they are gay. After being seen in a newspaper with her girlfriend, Alicia Pedreira was fired. The shirt stating "Isle of Lesbos" on it, is what ave it all away. "The minute I heard what I was wearing," said Pedreira, "I thought immediately, I've lost my job." She was right. Alicia, among many other individuals who identify themselves as something other than “heterosexual”, have been fired, abused, and financially in debt.
“If you are reading this, it means that I have committed suicide”
Leela Alcorn’s suicide note was spread like a wildfire across the internet. In her lengthy, heart-wrenching note, she described her life as a whole. She was raised in a christian family, obviously against what she believed in. She was taken to a therapist because her mother told her “that it was a phase, that I would never truly be a girl, that God doesn’t make mistakes, that I am wrong.”
Many find it hard to live in an un-accepting society who rather makes judgements than hire, than to care for them, than to love and accept them. Individuals rather think that they’re “weird” , rather than being themselves. That they are going through a “phase”, and that the “gayness” will rub off. Rather than accepting their mindset, people criticize rather than care. Certain remarks regarding gender can be hurtful to people , and can eventually manipulate one’s opinion into thinking biased opinions toward a gender, destroying an equal opportunity for them in any situation.