For 17 years, I’ve been immersed in the funeral industry, managing my own business. As a trained embalmer and certified paramedic, I’ve also delved into studies in forensic psychology, criminology, and crime scene investigation. Despite my comfort with humor and lack of excessive sensitivity, my recent transition to a new company has exposed me to blatant sexism.
My male colleague, whose education primarily consists of cashier work, has a problematic attitude. Despite his lack of relevant expertise, he vehemently opposes the idea of a woman driving, despite his own history of causing three car accidents within two days. To him, I’m not a woman but a “girl” whose intellectual pursuits he deems unnecessary:” a girl should not fill her little brain with too much knowledge”. He takes “mansplaining” to an extreme, explaining even the most basic concepts as if I lack understanding. He explained to me how an elevator works:” if you press button 1, it takes you to floor number 1! But if you want to go to floor number 2, you have to press which button? 2! That’s right! GOOD GIRL!”
Regardless of my qualifications and experience, he persistently denies my education and professional background, hindering my ability to interact with clients. His prejudice extends to considering a woman’s role as solely that of a cleaner. Unwanted physical contact, such as inappropriate comments (”I would like to bury my face in your titts”) and hugs, has become a regular occurrence. When I voiced discomfort, I faced insults (I was fat and look like an idiot) about my appearance, and he deliberately hindered our collaborative efforts, exemplified by leaving me to lift a 150 kg man alone, asserting, “Let’s see how far you’ll get without me.”
I acknowledge that we’re currently understaffed. However, if I were to bring up the matter with HR, the likely outcome would be a transfer to another department, a prospect I strongly wish to avoidas I love what I am doing, and like the area I am working in.