Monday, March 31, 2008

Watching men and woman is a fascinating game.  I've been allowed into the men's world and its a different place.  The jokes are dirtier, the swearing is an automatic, and the female anatomy is pointed out constantly.  I've worked in the automotive/off-road industry for close to 5 years and it interesting the mannerisms i've taken on because of this.  I tend to interrupt the guys more when they are talking, my jokes have become pretty crude and dirty, and I swear more than most. But I am the more supportive member of the group, and tend to be the one to check up on everyone.  

I've noticed that I tend to throw other men off a bit at first when they meet me, because there isn't much I hold back.  I've been known to use terms that would make men blush because i'm female and its different if I use them.  But that's the one thing that gains you respect in the industry that is mainly dominated by men.  You have to be able to lift the heavy objects, handle the dirty and oily parts, and be able to give a big "fuck you" when needed.   But the interesting fact of it is I'm more comfortable in that world than the all female world.  I don't back down to most men, but you stick me in a group of all females, i'm as silent as they come.  I'm uncomfortable and intimidated by them.  I'm use to a very blunt and honest world, and realize that those rules don't apply with all females.

But I did get to watch as a group of guys i know as always being set to an 'R' rating toned down there language, changed the subject to a more neutral topic, once a girl joined the group.  Suddenly the talk switched to movies, and weekend plans when we had just been talking about off-roading and " the e-locker they were going to put in there rear end to gain more traction."


1 comment:

  1. I think its interesting how you talk about your adaptation into an industy mainly dominated by men and how when your exposed into a group of females you feel somewhat uncomfortable. Im sure though that this wasnt the case throughout the duration of your life? And when you mentioned how the topic of conversation shifted from a 'R' rating to weekend plans and such when a female was present; people are so fasinating, how there are cues to be appropriate or more neutral in a conversation when certain individuals are present. I liked your description of your place in this work environment.

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