This past week - women’s week - I’ve seen an overwhelming amount of truths regarding gender biases. Truths that go beyond research and statistics. I’ve felt and lived through them. The week was empowered by me taking a course on public speaking which addressed the issue of accent bias. And to finalize, on Saturday night I went to see a play which was a mind blowing show of performance, addressing the female existential issues of the XIX century, slapping on our faces they have not changed all that much.
.
It was a depressing week, to say the least. One cannot save oneself from the unconscious bias of others.
.
And then today, I remembered this story… So simple and trivial that it made me smile.
.
Once upon the past ten years, I pick up the phone. This gentleman - who I had already met in person - wants to talk to my boss by all means immediately. I am aware of the subject and he knows it. I politely say we can book a time for them to talk still that afternoon. He insists to be passed through immediately. I repeat that we can book a time for that same afternoon. He hangs up on my face without saying goodbye or thank you. Immediately he sends a line to my boss that goes more or less like this:
.
Dear Mr. M,
I couldn’t pass through your secretary. Would you please call me back to talk about XYZ.
.
My boss forwards the message to me, ccing the gentleman and adding the line: “Marina, pls book a time”.
.
.
It was a depressing week, to say the least. One cannot save oneself from the unconscious bias of others.
.
And then today, I remembered this story… So simple and trivial that it made me smile.
.
Once upon the past ten years, I pick up the phone. This gentleman - who I had already met in person - wants to talk to my boss by all means immediately. I am aware of the subject and he knows it. I politely say we can book a time for them to talk still that afternoon. He insists to be passed through immediately. I repeat that we can book a time for that same afternoon. He hangs up on my face without saying goodbye or thank you. Immediately he sends a line to my boss that goes more or less like this:
.
Dear Mr. M,
I couldn’t pass through your secretary. Would you please call me back to talk about XYZ.
.
My boss forwards the message to me, ccing the gentleman and adding the line: “Marina, pls book a time”.
.
So simple. So trivial. So effortless. And powerful..
Marina Casadei
.
"Reality... Accept it, or live in denial".
.
