As I was walking to my Intro to Africa class yesterday, I saw a construction sign that read, "Men at Work". I was with my friend, and we both saw it and laughed. It just seemed so out of place. In today's world is it certain that the only people working that construction site are men? It is possible, but highly unlikely. I continued on my way to class and thought more about the sign. I couldn't figure out why it made me laugh so hard, but then it hit me. The sign was clearly ridiculous, vaguely sexist, and clearly outdated. Perhaps a sign like this would have had a place in the rhetorical situation present twenty years ago, but not today.
I walked past the sign again after class, and I considered getting a black sharpie and writing "(Wo)" in front of "Men" to make it clear that both men and women have a place in construction now. I can understand that this company probably didn't want to spend the money on a new politically correct sign; however, they have had so many years to make the change. Perhaps I'm making a big deal out of nothing. It is just a sign, right? I guess I just took it as this huge sign of how far people in this country have come that now it is absurd to see a construction sign that does not include women.
I agree. Although I am not a feminist nor a misogynist, I do find it a bit absurd that the government has yet to update minor things such as signs. We are constantly upgrading our technology to become a more progressive nation, yet on social issues, we are seriously lacking. Good observation, Carol!
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