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Everyday Sexism: Live Q&A with Laura Bates Everyday Sexism: Live Q&A with Laura Bates
(about 1 hour later)
Since the Everyday Sexism project was launched in 2012, it has received thousands of submissions from women all over the world, documenting everything from street harassment to abuse and assault.Since the Everyday Sexism project was launched in 2012, it has received thousands of submissions from women all over the world, documenting everything from street harassment to abuse and assault.
The project was established in 2012 by former actor Laura Bates, who has become one of modern feminism's leading voices. With more than 130,000 followers on Twitter, it has become an outlet for women to share their experiences of sexism. In December, it received its 50,000th entry. Now, the problem has been outlined in a book.The project was established in 2012 by former actor Laura Bates, who has become one of modern feminism's leading voices. With more than 130,000 followers on Twitter, it has become an outlet for women to share their experiences of sexism. In December, it received its 50,000th entry. Now, the problem has been outlined in a book.
In an excerpt of the book published in the Guardian this weekend, Laura writes of the moment she realised how many women were experiencing regular instances of sexism as a daily occurrence:In an excerpt of the book published in the Guardian this weekend, Laura writes of the moment she realised how many women were experiencing regular instances of sexism as a daily occurrence:
To my surprise, every woman I spoke to had a story. And they weren't random one-off events, but reams of tiny pinpricks – like my own experiences – so niggling and normalised that to protest about each one felt trivial. Yet put them together, and the picture was strikingly clear. This inequality, this pattern of casual intrusion whereby women could be leered at, touched, harassed and abused, was sexism. And if sexism means treating people differently or discriminating against them purely because of their sex, then women were experiencing it on a near-daily basis.To my surprise, every woman I spoke to had a story. And they weren't random one-off events, but reams of tiny pinpricks – like my own experiences – so niggling and normalised that to protest about each one felt trivial. Yet put them together, and the picture was strikingly clear. This inequality, this pattern of casual intrusion whereby women could be leered at, touched, harassed and abused, was sexism. And if sexism means treating people differently or discriminating against them purely because of their sex, then women were experiencing it on a near-daily basis.
On Tuesday between 12pm and 1pm, Laura will be online to answer readers' questions about the Everyday Sexism project.On Tuesday between 12pm and 1pm, Laura will be online to answer readers' questions about the Everyday Sexism project.
Now it's almost two years since the project was set up, has there been any sign of improvement? What have we learnt and what's next for the project?Now it's almost two years since the project was set up, has there been any sign of improvement? What have we learnt and what's next for the project?
We'll be featuring some of the questions and answers above the line as the Q&A goes on.We'll be featuring some of the questions and answers above the line as the Q&A goes on.
First up is eleanroe:First up is eleanroe:
Hi Laura,Hi Laura,
Thank you for your project and your work.Thank you for your project and your work.
I was struck by how many people, on your last article here, showed up to dismiss or seek to diminish your findings about harassment and sexism. Why do you think this is?I was struck by how many people, on your last article here, showed up to dismiss or seek to diminish your findings about harassment and sexism. Why do you think this is?
I think there are several reasons. Firstly, by its very nature, much of the sexism, harassment and sexual violence that happens is only witnessed by victim and perpetrator – whether it’s being harassed in a deserted street, cornered by an inappropriate colleague in an empty copy room or sexually assaulted – so I think that for many people who have not experienced it themselves, it’s very hard to accept just how prevalent and how severe the problem really is, making them quicker to try to dismiss it based on their own experience. Sometimes I think very well-meaning people would rather dismiss the reports as a few women exaggerating, or making a fuss about nothing, because it’s easier than admitting that we have a huge societal problem to deal with. And for lots of perfectly respectful men who would never dream of acting this way themselves, I think it can be hard to imagine or accept just how much it does happen.I think there are several reasons. Firstly, by its very nature, much of the sexism, harassment and sexual violence that happens is only witnessed by victim and perpetrator – whether it’s being harassed in a deserted street, cornered by an inappropriate colleague in an empty copy room or sexually assaulted – so I think that for many people who have not experienced it themselves, it’s very hard to accept just how prevalent and how severe the problem really is, making them quicker to try to dismiss it based on their own experience. Sometimes I think very well-meaning people would rather dismiss the reports as a few women exaggerating, or making a fuss about nothing, because it’s easier than admitting that we have a huge societal problem to deal with. And for lots of perfectly respectful men who would never dream of acting this way themselves, I think it can be hard to imagine or accept just how much it does happen.
Secondly, I think the old stereotypes about feminists being angry, hating men, wanting female supremacy etc. have had quite a deep impact, so I think some people react very defensively and dismissively to any feminist article on the misapprehension that it must be about taking men down, or calling all men sexist or ‘bad’ – which isn’t the case at all – I think this can cause some people to feel scared, that somehow by making women equal we will have to diminish men in some way.Secondly, I think the old stereotypes about feminists being angry, hating men, wanting female supremacy etc. have had quite a deep impact, so I think some people react very defensively and dismissively to any feminist article on the misapprehension that it must be about taking men down, or calling all men sexist or ‘bad’ – which isn’t the case at all – I think this can cause some people to feel scared, that somehow by making women equal we will have to diminish men in some way.
One of our colleagues James Walsh asked the following question about sexism at university:One of our colleagues James Walsh asked the following question about sexism at university:
Hello Laura,Hello Laura,
I was wondering if you had any thoughts on universities, and whether uni culture (I'm thinking things like 'unilad') has deteriorated notably? I've been shocked by some of the stories told by my younger colleagues, it didn't tally with my own university time fifteen years ago when it felt like sexism was, on the whole, laughed at and ostracised. The guys for whom this kind of behaviour had 'worked' at school and sixth form were mocked, on the whole. Now I get the impression (though this is massively anecdotal) that that sort of behaviour is much more tolerated now.I was wondering if you had any thoughts on universities, and whether uni culture (I'm thinking things like 'unilad') has deteriorated notably? I've been shocked by some of the stories told by my younger colleagues, it didn't tally with my own university time fifteen years ago when it felt like sexism was, on the whole, laughed at and ostracised. The guys for whom this kind of behaviour had 'worked' at school and sixth form were mocked, on the whole. Now I get the impression (though this is massively anecdotal) that that sort of behaviour is much more tolerated now.
What do you think?What do you think?
Hi James,Hi James,
There does seem to be a real issue at universities at the moment - and I say that not just in light of the thousands of testimonies we've received from male and female students, but also the string of recent events at universities up and down the country where we've seen students going out in 'casual rape' T-shirts, singing chants about miscarriage and sexual assault, playing 'it's not rape if' games.... the list goes on and on.There does seem to be a real issue at universities at the moment - and I say that not just in light of the thousands of testimonies we've received from male and female students, but also the string of recent events at universities up and down the country where we've seen students going out in 'casual rape' T-shirts, singing chants about miscarriage and sexual assault, playing 'it's not rape if' games.... the list goes on and on.
It feels like this is really fuelled by the rise in the idea of 'lad banter', which masks even really serious sexual harassment and the encouragement of pursuing female students as sexual prey behind the protective shield of 'humour'. This makes it really difficult to stand up to because those who object are accused of having no sense of humour, being uptight, or prudish, even when the subject matter is deeply and violently misogynistic. For me that seems to be what has changed or is new in recent years.It feels like this is really fuelled by the rise in the idea of 'lad banter', which masks even really serious sexual harassment and the encouragement of pursuing female students as sexual prey behind the protective shield of 'humour'. This makes it really difficult to stand up to because those who object are accused of having no sense of humour, being uptight, or prudish, even when the subject matter is deeply and violently misogynistic. For me that seems to be what has changed or is new in recent years.
What is really encouraging though, is the number of students standing up to it - both female and male - at universities and particularly student unions up and down the country - and the fact that the NUS is taking a real stand against the problem and has just created a new task force to tackle it head onWhat is really encouraging though, is the number of students standing up to it - both female and male - at universities and particularly student unions up and down the country - and the fact that the NUS is taking a real stand against the problem and has just created a new task force to tackle it head on
ClovisWrites asked:ClovisWrites asked:
Do you think there's any realistic prospect of bringing more prosecutions for street / workplace groping as sexual assault? I wondered whether that could be an off-shoot of your project perhaps with lawyers taking the cases pro bono. Clearly you can't prosecute everyone but a few cases would make headlines and make clear in public consciousness that a lot of this behaviour is actually criminal. Think there's anything in this?Do you think there's any realistic prospect of bringing more prosecutions for street / workplace groping as sexual assault? I wondered whether that could be an off-shoot of your project perhaps with lawyers taking the cases pro bono. Clearly you can't prosecute everyone but a few cases would make headlines and make clear in public consciousness that a lot of this behaviour is actually criminal. Think there's anything in this?
Yes - helping people to be aware of their legal rights and the fact that sexual touching without your consent is a form of sexual assault is definitely something we work hard to do as part of the Project - we go into lots of schools and universities and try to spread the word about this so that young people are growing up with an awareness of it, because we hear from so many university students that groping has become a 'normal' part of a night out, and this is something we're trying hard to change.Yes - helping people to be aware of their legal rights and the fact that sexual touching without your consent is a form of sexual assault is definitely something we work hard to do as part of the Project - we go into lots of schools and universities and try to spread the word about this so that young people are growing up with an awareness of it, because we hear from so many university students that groping has become a 'normal' part of a night out, and this is something we're trying hard to change.
We worked with the British Transport Police on a recent initiative called Project Guardian http://www.btp.police.uk/advice_and_information/how_we_tackle_crime/project_guardian.aspx and a big part of our role was using social media to spread the word that these sorts of offences can be reported to police and will be taken seriously, as lots of our Project entries suggested women weren't reporting them as they didn't see the point. The project was really successful and raised reporting rates by over 20% - I think it would be fantastic to roll out a similar initiative nationwide, and perhaps to look at ways that the same lessons could be used for other public spaces like the streetWe worked with the British Transport Police on a recent initiative called Project Guardian http://www.btp.police.uk/advice_and_information/how_we_tackle_crime/project_guardian.aspx and a big part of our role was using social media to spread the word that these sorts of offences can be reported to police and will be taken seriously, as lots of our Project entries suggested women weren't reporting them as they didn't see the point. The project was really successful and raised reporting rates by over 20% - I think it would be fantastic to roll out a similar initiative nationwide, and perhaps to look at ways that the same lessons could be used for other public spaces like the street
We've had a few questions asking about whether men's experiences are documented in the project - as Laura states below, EverydaySexism does feature entries from both women and men.We've had a few questions asking about whether men's experiences are documented in the project - as Laura states below, EverydaySexism does feature entries from both women and men.
The project actually documents both men and women's experiences - we share men's experiences both on the Twitter feed and the website and the entries we have received strongly suggest that this is a problem affecting everybody, not just women. For example, in the same week we received an entry from a woman denied a promotion because she was seen as a 'maternity risk' we also heard from a man denied parental leave and ridiculed in the office for asking for it - these are two sides of the same coin, so it is in everybody's interest to fight the problem together. Having said that, we do receive vastly more entries from women, and women tend to experience vastly greater amounts of sexism as you observe, against the wider backdrop of structural political, professional, economic and societal gender imbalance.The project actually documents both men and women's experiences - we share men's experiences both on the Twitter feed and the website and the entries we have received strongly suggest that this is a problem affecting everybody, not just women. For example, in the same week we received an entry from a woman denied a promotion because she was seen as a 'maternity risk' we also heard from a man denied parental leave and ridiculed in the office for asking for it - these are two sides of the same coin, so it is in everybody's interest to fight the problem together. Having said that, we do receive vastly more entries from women, and women tend to experience vastly greater amounts of sexism as you observe, against the wider backdrop of structural political, professional, economic and societal gender imbalance.
BrianaMarsh asked about how to confront street harassment:BrianaMarsh asked about how to confront street harassment:
Hi Laura!Hi Laura!
What would you say is the best way to personally confront street harassment when it happens? Practically speaking, what do you think the best response would be?What would you say is the best way to personally confront street harassment when it happens? Practically speaking, what do you think the best response would be?
I try to stress that I think we should be focussing on stopping the problem from happening in the first place, not dictating how victims should respond, because I think it's important that the onus shouldn't be on women to somehow 'deal with it' when they shouldn't have to. Having said that though, it can be incredibly frustrating and scary in the moment and many women ask about responses. It's very difficult to give any one answer, because the situations vary and often you may be unsafe to respond. Personally, I find reporting the harassment afterwards a very successful and cathartic response - this isn't always possible, but if somebody is working on a construction site, or harassing you from a van, there will often be a company name or number you can take down - we have had lots of reports from people who've had very supportive and successful results from companies who take this seriously and make it clear to employees that they have to change their behaviour. If you are on public transport, it can be helpful just to name the behaviour and describe the preson - eg 'man in the blue hat, stop touching my legs' - as this flags up the harasser to other bystanders who are then much more likely to step in and help, but also transfers the traditional feelings of guilt/embarassment/shame from the victim onto the perpetrator. Finally I'd always recommend bystander action - it's difficult to know how you might react as a victim, but we can all keep our eyes open and calmly step in when we see somebody else being harassed - and this kind of collective action is likely to be safer and have a big impact on changing the cultural normalisation that lets harassers think they will get away with it in the futureI try to stress that I think we should be focussing on stopping the problem from happening in the first place, not dictating how victims should respond, because I think it's important that the onus shouldn't be on women to somehow 'deal with it' when they shouldn't have to. Having said that though, it can be incredibly frustrating and scary in the moment and many women ask about responses. It's very difficult to give any one answer, because the situations vary and often you may be unsafe to respond. Personally, I find reporting the harassment afterwards a very successful and cathartic response - this isn't always possible, but if somebody is working on a construction site, or harassing you from a van, there will often be a company name or number you can take down - we have had lots of reports from people who've had very supportive and successful results from companies who take this seriously and make it clear to employees that they have to change their behaviour. If you are on public transport, it can be helpful just to name the behaviour and describe the preson - eg 'man in the blue hat, stop touching my legs' - as this flags up the harasser to other bystanders who are then much more likely to step in and help, but also transfers the traditional feelings of guilt/embarassment/shame from the victim onto the perpetrator. Finally I'd always recommend bystander action - it's difficult to know how you might react as a victim, but we can all keep our eyes open and calmly step in when we see somebody else being harassed - and this kind of collective action is likely to be safer and have a big impact on changing the cultural normalisation that lets harassers think they will get away with it in the future
For those who are interested, Laura has previously written a great piece for us on street harassment, which can be found here.For those who are interested, Laura has previously written a great piece for us on street harassment, which can be found here.
Continuing on the topic of harassment in public, CarmineTellegio asked:Continuing on the topic of harassment in public, CarmineTellegio asked:
Hi LauraHi Laura
I've noticed that men seem to be becoming increasingly hostile in response when rebuked for their awful behaviour in public. At one stage, I think a man would have been mortified if he were accused of behaving inappropriately; in the last few years, however, the response I've more commonly seen is for men to tell whomever is rebuking them to "shut up", or worse. Have you noticed this worrying trend too? I also wonder if it might have anything to do with the rise of trolling that has accompanied the ascent of social media, and the fact that people are perhaps becoming more accustomed to giving (even aggressive) backchat than ever before. I'd be curious to know what you think.I've noticed that men seem to be becoming increasingly hostile in response when rebuked for their awful behaviour in public. At one stage, I think a man would have been mortified if he were accused of behaving inappropriately; in the last few years, however, the response I've more commonly seen is for men to tell whomever is rebuking them to "shut up", or worse. Have you noticed this worrying trend too? I also wonder if it might have anything to do with the rise of trolling that has accompanied the ascent of social media, and the fact that people are perhaps becoming more accustomed to giving (even aggressive) backchat than ever before. I'd be curious to know what you think.
Thanks so much for such an inspirational and reassuring project!Thanks so much for such an inspirational and reassuring project!
Yes - we've definitely received a lot of stories from women who, when they have ignored harassers or asked to be left alone, have been met with really violent and aggressive responses - for example 'hey baby' turns almost immediately to 'whore, slut, slag' and even to physical pursuit and assault.Yes - we've definitely received a lot of stories from women who, when they have ignored harassers or asked to be left alone, have been met with really violent and aggressive responses - for example 'hey baby' turns almost immediately to 'whore, slut, slag' and even to physical pursuit and assault.
It seems to me that this reaction suggests a sense of entitlement - 'it is my right to harass you, how dare you try to deny me?' I think this derives from the real social normalisation of certain forms of sexism, with street harassment being a really good example. I was groped on the bus in London and clearly said what was happening, and everybody else looked out the window - not one person stood up to help me, or sent the message to the groper that this was not socially acceptable, and that he would be challenged. For me, this is what needs to change - we need a cultural shift in our attitudes and behaviours and that needs to see all of us standing up and calling out harassment and misogyny, whether it is in the street or the workplace, to erode that normalisation that makes perpetrators feel safe doing it again and again.It seems to me that this reaction suggests a sense of entitlement - 'it is my right to harass you, how dare you try to deny me?' I think this derives from the real social normalisation of certain forms of sexism, with street harassment being a really good example. I was groped on the bus in London and clearly said what was happening, and everybody else looked out the window - not one person stood up to help me, or sent the message to the groper that this was not socially acceptable, and that he would be challenged. For me, this is what needs to change - we need a cultural shift in our attitudes and behaviours and that needs to see all of us standing up and calling out harassment and misogyny, whether it is in the street or the workplace, to erode that normalisation that makes perpetrators feel safe doing it again and again.
MarilynMonro asked about what schools could do to tackle sexism:MarilynMonro asked about what schools could do to tackle sexism:
I think schools should tackle this kind of everyday sexism much earlier - say from year 2/3 when children begin to understand gender roles and stereotyping. I am appalled by the idea that young teenage boys ask for a nude or topless photo of a potential girlfriend before a "date" - when did this start and why are girls falling for it. I've read they feel pressured but if it was talked about more with clear rules of what to do if it happens maybe that would help. Girls need to be empowered to make good choices without the pressure of conforming to a so called "norm" and they need the confidence to be able to say no.I think schools should tackle this kind of everyday sexism much earlier - say from year 2/3 when children begin to understand gender roles and stereotyping. I am appalled by the idea that young teenage boys ask for a nude or topless photo of a potential girlfriend before a "date" - when did this start and why are girls falling for it. I've read they feel pressured but if it was talked about more with clear rules of what to do if it happens maybe that would help. Girls need to be empowered to make good choices without the pressure of conforming to a so called "norm" and they need the confidence to be able to say no.
I completely agree with you that better sex and relationships education in schools is desperately needed and should be compulsory - to deal with issues like healthy relationships, consent, respect and sexual abuse. Young people today are bombarded with so much messaging and imagery, from online porn to Page 3, and they all (boys and girls) need support to help them find their way through it, differentiate between porn and 'real sex' and learn about vital issues like consent and their right to say no and have control over their own bodies.I completely agree with you that better sex and relationships education in schools is desperately needed and should be compulsory - to deal with issues like healthy relationships, consent, respect and sexual abuse. Young people today are bombarded with so much messaging and imagery, from online porn to Page 3, and they all (boys and girls) need support to help them find their way through it, differentiate between porn and 'real sex' and learn about vital issues like consent and their right to say no and have control over their own bodies.
MrDamage asks:MrDamage asks:
Laura,Do you think all women get targetted for this kind of behaviour, or there are a few particular body types that get picked on?Laura,Do you think all women get targetted for this kind of behaviour, or there are a few particular body types that get picked on?
From the entries we receive, it seems to be a fairly universal experience - we have heard from women who are ridiculed and taunted because they don't fit into the incredibly narrow media-defined ideal of female beauty (long legged, very thin, white, large breasted etc) but then on the other hand we also hear from women who are naturally thin who are hurt by comments like 'real women have curves'. Part of the problem is our society's obsession with categorising and judging women on the basis of their appearence and body shape first and foremost, with everything else - personality, career, etc. coming second. For this reason, I think it's something that seems to impact on a huge variety of women, not necessarily those of any particular body shape, though of course some experience worse harassment and abuse than others.From the entries we receive, it seems to be a fairly universal experience - we have heard from women who are ridiculed and taunted because they don't fit into the incredibly narrow media-defined ideal of female beauty (long legged, very thin, white, large breasted etc) but then on the other hand we also hear from women who are naturally thin who are hurt by comments like 'real women have curves'. Part of the problem is our society's obsession with categorising and judging women on the basis of their appearence and body shape first and foremost, with everything else - personality, career, etc. coming second. For this reason, I think it's something that seems to impact on a huge variety of women, not necessarily those of any particular body shape, though of course some experience worse harassment and abuse than others.
What's next for the modern feminist movement? RaphNZ asks about feminists coming together:What's next for the modern feminist movement? RaphNZ asks about feminists coming together:
Hi Laura,Hi Laura,
Great project, good work. I look at feminism now compared to say the Suffragettes or post war feminism as being very split on many issues. Obviously this is in part of smaller minorities getting airtime when they previously wouldn't. I also worry that many feminists groups condone censorship. So my question is in two parts.Great project, good work. I look at feminism now compared to say the Suffragettes or post war feminism as being very split on many issues. Obviously this is in part of smaller minorities getting airtime when they previously wouldn't. I also worry that many feminists groups condone censorship. So my question is in two parts.
How do you see feminists coming together to fight together as women did for the vote?How do you see feminists coming together to fight together as women did for the vote?
andand
How do you see mainstream feminism incorporating the wide range of ideas beliefs of more radical feminists, without alienating the High Street feminists?How do you see mainstream feminism incorporating the wide range of ideas beliefs of more radical feminists, without alienating the High Street feminists?
Thanks,RaphThanks,Raph
I feel like there is a very exciting and encouraging wave of feminism happening at the moment which is very open and pragmatic - we are seeing people from all over the world uniting to fight for gender equality, and one way that I think this coming together is facilitated is by the internet and social media, which allows a platform to previously silenced voices, enables us to reach out and connect across borders, and lets us highight the plight of women experiencing various forms of violence and injustice around the world. On the other hand, it's really important that we remain aware that not everybody has access to the internet, and that we take advantage of the possibilities of online organising, but then also make sure the results are taken offline and into communities ot have as wide-reaching an impact as possible. This is why we use the project entries to do work with schools and universities, businesses, politicians and police forces, to try and make sure we're not just preaching to the choir online, but having a concrete real-world impact too.I feel like there is a very exciting and encouraging wave of feminism happening at the moment which is very open and pragmatic - we are seeing people from all over the world uniting to fight for gender equality, and one way that I think this coming together is facilitated is by the internet and social media, which allows a platform to previously silenced voices, enables us to reach out and connect across borders, and lets us highight the plight of women experiencing various forms of violence and injustice around the world. On the other hand, it's really important that we remain aware that not everybody has access to the internet, and that we take advantage of the possibilities of online organising, but then also make sure the results are taken offline and into communities ot have as wide-reaching an impact as possible. This is why we use the project entries to do work with schools and universities, businesses, politicians and police forces, to try and make sure we're not just preaching to the choir online, but having a concrete real-world impact too.
In terms of feminism incorporating a wide range of ideas, I think it is a very broad movement and doesn't have to have one central directive or leader, so it's OK for different feminists to fight in different ways and have different priorities - this is inevitable given that women are not one homogenous group! I think we are currently seeing a brilliant example of how well it can work when different people take up different important causes under one universal banner of gender equality - from the activists fighting against FGM to students battling lad culture at university to the campaigners against media sexism - in the end, we're all battling toward the same end!In terms of feminism incorporating a wide range of ideas, I think it is a very broad movement and doesn't have to have one central directive or leader, so it's OK for different feminists to fight in different ways and have different priorities - this is inevitable given that women are not one homogenous group! I think we are currently seeing a brilliant example of how well it can work when different people take up different important causes under one universal banner of gender equality - from the activists fighting against FGM to students battling lad culture at university to the campaigners against media sexism - in the end, we're all battling toward the same end!
Sazzy_cul asks about how to engage her son with the issues raised by the project:Sazzy_cul asks about how to engage her son with the issues raised by the project:
Hi LauraThanks for your work on this project, I think it helps people to realise that small actions can have a big impact. I wonder if you have any thoughts about how to engage primary school-age boys with this? I would like to engage my son with this but not sure how to go about it and would love to hear your thoughts.Hi LauraThanks for your work on this project, I think it helps people to realise that small actions can have a big impact. I wonder if you have any thoughts about how to engage primary school-age boys with this? I would like to engage my son with this but not sure how to go about it and would love to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for raising these ideas with your son! I think that talking to children about these issues from a young age is a really important way forward in disrupting the normalised acceptance of socially ingrained sexism. With primary age children, we've found that just talking about the issues in a very gentle way and letting them explore them themselves is a really effective way of allowing them to question gendered assumptions and stereotypes in a safe environment. For example, describing a scene in a dentists or doctor's waiting room, asking your son to picture it, and then asking whether he imagined the dentist or doctor was a man or a woman - then thinking about why we make those assumptions. Or looking at some of the numbers about how few female world leaders there are and talking through what reasons there might be for that. Or chatting about different career paths, or behaviours, and how we might think differently about boys and girls doing them - and why. All these are good starting points for discussions about gender stereotypes and how they aren't necessarily grounded in reality. It might be helpful to look at this Newsround video I made with primary school children as a springboard to further discussion: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/24276089Thank you for raising these ideas with your son! I think that talking to children about these issues from a young age is a really important way forward in disrupting the normalised acceptance of socially ingrained sexism. With primary age children, we've found that just talking about the issues in a very gentle way and letting them explore them themselves is a really effective way of allowing them to question gendered assumptions and stereotypes in a safe environment. For example, describing a scene in a dentists or doctor's waiting room, asking your son to picture it, and then asking whether he imagined the dentist or doctor was a man or a woman - then thinking about why we make those assumptions. Or looking at some of the numbers about how few female world leaders there are and talking through what reasons there might be for that. Or chatting about different career paths, or behaviours, and how we might think differently about boys and girls doing them - and why. All these are good starting points for discussions about gender stereotypes and how they aren't necessarily grounded in reality. It might be helpful to look at this Newsround video I made with primary school children as a springboard to further discussion: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/24276089
Goforajog asked:
This Is a fantastic project which offers solidarity, and is also profoundly shocking from a male perspective. However, and I'm sure this is a question you hear all the time, why tangible difference does it actually make? Do you think you can change the actions and thoughts of the men who do this, simply through the internet?
Yes I really do! Firstly becaues I believe that raising awareness of the problem is a vital step to being able to fight it. Secondly, it lets many women who have suffered in silence for years know that they are not alone and they don't have to put up with what has become normalised. (Many women have told us they reported sexual offences to the police as a direct result). Thirdly, we are also working hard to take the entries we receive and use them to make concrete change - for example, we go into schools and universities and talk to young people about the entries we receive from their peers; we give talks in businesses about the entries we've collected on workplace discrimination, and we worked with the British Transport police to use our entries about sexual offences on buses and tubes to help them retrain their officers to better deal with the problem.
We've used the project entries to help the Council of Europe generate new guidelines on the portrayal of women in the media, taken them to politicians considering new policy, used them to speak at the United Nations, to share strategies for combatting gender ineqeuality with representatives who were able to take those ideas back to other countries... in these and many more ways we are using the project entries for real-world change on a daily basis.