Sorry, but this week’s post is about those “Martians” (as in Men Are From Mars; Women Are From Venus) and whether they get things done or not. In a way it relates to a previous post called “Women Do”. The difference being that women do get things done quickly and – not all but a lot of – men do not get things done at all, let alone quickly.
For example, there was a Human Resource issue, regarding training advice in hygiene protection a few years ago and some men were asked to deal with it. There were meetings; there were talks; there was a dismissal and a review of training processes. Then all was quiet and it seemed the issue had been resolved.
However, as this issue involved vulnerable people, a woman kept watch to see if the issue would rear its head [phallic pun intended] again. It has.
(A sombre piece of information is that the issue seems to precipitate from a woman, the trainer, who seems to hold an unshakeable belief that certain people who are vulnerable are also ‘dirty’ and cannot be touched – except with gloved, latex-clad hands.)
So we return to the same training room two and a half years later.
The ‘woman who watches’ now gives all who visit that training room a “pop quiz” after the event to see if latex has been mentioned. After a training session this week, the same thing happened. People were advised not to touch the intact, non-infectious skin of healthy people, who are vulnerable, unless they are wearing gloves.
The ‘woman who watches’ rang the men and one said, “oh god, wasn’t that fixed last time?” The other said, “We’ll have to check that out and get back to you”.
This is but a sample of wide spread male malaise. “No child will live in poverty…” springs to mind. How many wars and conflicts have been the last – with a promise of world peace reigning supreme?
Now that I live with a man I am well aware of how often they do not get things done or have to be reminded. I ask myself “if women are a species of doers and reminders, what might happen if we ruled the world? …but we’d still have to pay the telephone bill :-)
References
Mars and Venus website http://www.marsvenus.com/ Accessed: 5 February 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I think alot of what you say is true. That women are doers and that when things go wrong most of teh time we do something about it. .. unless we have reason not to.
I think it would be interesting to see whether or not things would get done if women weren't around. I have one interesting experience to share. I used to live in a house full of guys. Three of them and myself as the only girl. It was an interesting experience which I learnt much from. I am somewhat glad that I nolonger have to feel somewhat responsible for their actions or inactions. As I was the eldest in the house I kindof felt the weight a bit more then perhaps some of the others.
However, this year, since I have moved out, two more guys have moved in. Strangely enough things are actually still happening despite the tonne of bricks that seems to hold them down from time to time. I'm really quite proud of them:) I visited them just the other day and the house was kindof cleanish, the dishes had been done, the bills had been paid, they even had a chore roaster! I was sooo amased at how these guys had matured from sitters to doers.
So, dispite the cultural norm of men having a bit more trouble getting things done, I must say that, although it might seem highly improbable, they can learn (however long it may take) how to be doers and look after themselves and each other:) They can even take on responsibilty so long as you don't tell them what it really is or when they've actually got it already:)!
Post a Comment