Merritt and Olivia have a disagreement about sexism in the workplace. (pp 162-163). Merritt states that the problem with Olivia’s generation is that they “expect things to be easy.” Olivia replies, “No, not easy. Fair.” Merritt thinks she’s naïve. What did you think of this debate? Do you agree with one woman over the other?
I agreed with Olivia’s assessment. Merritt’s view is perhaps a generational difference. Merritt I think sought to prove her competence as a woman by being rationale and working hard - hence one can’t be lazy. Olivia wasn’t necessarily disagreeing with Merritt but rather pointing out that working hard should also mean women should be paid equal to men or be viewed as competent as men.
I think the debate is a perfect example of discussions that are had today and have been had in the past. Most people from a older generation (including myself) has the thought that the kids today “have it easier”. Every time period is different with challenges and complexities and no one can really understand the period except for the people who lived through it. Ironically, this is very similar to discussions in the TV show “Hacks” between Deborah and Ava. In my opinion neither one is correct or wrong but its good to have the discussion so people can see and understand the other side.
I agree that every time period has its own differences and challenges. I also like that it makes interesting discussion between generations.
I found this conversation very interesting because both women were speaking from the experiences of their own generations. Merritt came from a time when workplaces were openly sexist and dismissive of women, and many women simply had to endure it because there weren’t many other options. But I agree more with Olivia’s perspective that wanting fairness is not the same thing as wanting life to be easy. She’s saying that women shouldn’t have to spend so much time and energy fighting the system just to prove they deserve a place in the room.
I think we all would like fairness. Unfortunately, life often seems to be unfair. I think Merritt has been there and seen things that Olivia has not yet experienced. We can’t lose hope that the world will be more just, however sometimes it’s difficult to hold on.
I agree with Rose_S. I hope that one day the workplace will treat everyone fairly. Unfortunately, human nature and biases get in the way.
That was a funny scene as they alluded to Merritt having a hot flash throughout the discussion.”She tried waving a napkin in front of her face, but it was too floppy to create much of a breeze’“ ‘Now she was blotting her pale decolletage with strange drama, s if we’d just emerged from the Amazon’. I felt they both had good points, but it’s not like most women today are getting equal pay despite all the advances that Merritt’s generation went through, and challenges. Sexual harassment still exists, but since the ‘Me too’ movement, men are more cautious about how they approach women in the workplace. Today’s generation probably does expect more, but that doesn’t mean they will get it.
This is a very interesting discussion and I agree with both of them at some level. Merritt’s generation had blatant discrimination that had to be met head on; while Olivia’s has it easier, but now it is hidden and can still be there. The men may say the correct words but are thinking back to the old positions of men and women. It takes a long time for each generation to really change. My sons are encountering women bosses and need to accept the new order and respect them as an equal.
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I absolutely agreed 100% with Olivia! That’s all we want: fairness!
I agree with Olivia, things should be fair. We know things are not always easy and we do not expect that.