I recently posted on Facebook about an encounter with sexism. It has generated a lot of response, so I’m re-posting the highlights here.
Original Post on November 9, 2016
Today, I stood up for myself.
As I waited for the elevator, contemplating the election, a co-worker approached and said, “Smile.” Contrary to my usual polite compliance, I looked at him and said, “No. I don’t have to smile just because someone is looking at me.” We rode the elevator in silence until I reached my floor and said, with a genuine smile, “Have a good day.” He responded in kind.
I’ve never liked when men (I have yet to encounter a woman doing so) greet me with an instruction to smile, but last night’s election results reminded me that I must stand against sexism, no matter how casual or well-intended. Pleasant conversation can start with a kind greeting as simple as “Hello.”
