Oct 30 2008
It’s a mans world
The Spins is having a bad week that keeps getting worse. Today I was transported back 30 years ago - before the 18 million cracks and the feminist teachings of Rachel Ray.
I had a meeting with a partner and our co-counsel. I did all the research, prepared the memos, drafted the motions. I was probably the most informed person at our meeting. But of course, neither man would listen to what I said or would repeat what I said and take credit for it. They wouldn’t even look me in the eye. Neither directed any questions to me but merely talked to each other and then paused to indicate that I was permitted to speak. Then, they left the room before I had a chance to get all my files back in the rolly-briefcase thing I had to bring to the meeting (ugh the true injustice - i became one of those freaks in law school who carried their books in a wheeled backpack). By the time I got all packed up they were halfway down the hall and I was running after them past the row of attorney offices who no doubt thought I was the crazy court reporter.
I consider myself a feminist. Or, maybe feminist lite. I have strong views on equaity in the workplace and think law firms need to emphasize retaining and promoting women. I am a member of several womens groups (but those bunch of harpies usually just depress me so I can go only go so often). But, then as you know I am a fan of the halloween whore exception to the good girl’s dress code. I also still love The Game’s “Wouldn’t get far” with lyrics: “you wouldn’t get far… far … far … if you kept your legs closed, it would be just a waste of time,” although in my defense I do hate myself for jamming out to the song.
But the feminist part of me gets very upset at the injustice of it all. How it is still a mans world in law. I am reminded of a quote from a well respected feminist scholar. “Why is it that when a man goes after what he wants he is driven, but when a woman does the same she is a b*tch?” So spoke Aundrea Zuckerman when she tried to beat out less qualified Brandon for the editor in chief role and Gil or something gave it to Brandon. I don’t know Aundrea, why is it??
How are you ever going to find a nice man to settle down with if you’re pallin’ around with feminists?
Thanks Fat Spinsta for blogging about an important issue. I appreciate your perspective, but you are no Andrea Zuckerman. I see you more as a Donna - remember when she wrote that kick-ass essay about her shoes? That was awesome.
you should have rolled that briefcase right into the partner and co-counsel’s pompous flat asses.