Is this chick for real?

So, normally, I try to stay away from commentary on other people's opinions, because everybody's got one and if they were all the same, this world would be a very boring place. But, a couple of weeks ago I posted on Penelope Trunk's article regarding ettiquette, and voiced my own opinion that she was way off base. Well, she's at it again and honestly I am now beginning to wonder if her writing is satirical because her advice to young professional women is REALLY out there.

Encouraging "girls" to date their co-workers (which many companies frown heavily upon,) to showing "just enough flesh," to the clincher - "tone down your work ethic" to play with the boys? Seriously? Is she for real?

Ms. Trunk's comments are so superficial and borderline offensive that it frightens me that young women entering the workforce could actually be listening to her and taking her comments to heart. Don't get me wrong - I am not some feminazi militant HR beeyotch that thinks that Corporate America is an equal playing field for the sexes, yes, we still have a long way to go on that front in many circumstances. Still, I have to draw a line somewhere. To suggest that highly educated women play to the submissive sterotypes of days of yore? To actually advise someone entering the workforce to conduct their professional career in the manner in which Ms. Trunk suggests is plain idiotic. "Expect sexual harrassment?" Why is that ok? Her suggestions are validating inequality in the workplace - saying it's ok to play the stupid girl that shows some cleavage, deals with the asspinchers with a giggle and a hair toss, and sleeps with her coworkers to get ahead in the world - which brings me back to my original question - is this chick for real?

Comment by Recruiting Animal on August 17, 2007 at 2:47pm: Hey baby, watcha doin' tonite huh? Hey Rayg, loved your review. It was very well written. I just don't agree. You know what I'm sayin' shugah?

1. I don't like it when women have to show their credentials by declaring that they're not crazy feminists. I know you're not crazy but you are a feminist and I am too. Why not?

2. Penelope didn't say that you should sleep with your co-workers. She just said that you shouldn't avoid them as romantic partners. And, there's pros and cons on both sides of that story. For one thing, if you marry someone in your business, you'll have more to talk about than most couples.

3. She didn't say that you should giggle about ass pinchers either. She said don't expect the powers that be to support sexual harrassment complaints in a way that will serve you. if you can't put the guy in his place with a direct conversation, you're better off leaving. I think she's wrong but it's not a stupid argument to make.

4. Showing some skin? That's worded to be provocative. I don't read it as a licence to show off your wares. I take it to mean women don't have to worry about being feminine. I mean, look at the example she gives: Hilary Clinton

Regards, Your online friend the Recruiting Animal

Comment by Ragan Kellams on August 17, 2007 at 2:51pm: You are an ass Animal, but I love ya.

No, maybe she doesn't outright say sleep with your co-workers but the overall tone of her column made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. (Yes, that's my new thing whenever anything makes me want to puke.) Deal with it!

Comment by James Guske on August 19, 2007 at 10:55am: Professional behavior: No. Does it happen in the work place: Yes.

Comment by Ragan Kellams on August 19, 2007 at 12:04pm: Of course it happens - it happens all the time, I just don't know that telling young women specifically to seek it out is the best advice. There are many companies that frown upon (or flat out prohibit) fraternization, advertising industry not so much, so my advice would be - before using your company as your own personal match.com, investigate how it is seen by higher ups - otherwise, you may find yourself in a bad situation.

Comment by Recruiting Animal on August 21, 2007 at 4:04pm: I still say that especially if you work in a big firm going out with someone in the company and marrying someone is just as likely to add joy to your life if you make a long term match as it is to cause problems if you break up.

Comment by Recruiting Animal on August 21, 2007 at 4:05pm: And, Rayg, I'm getting sick of you barfing.

Comment by Ragan Kellams on August 21, 2007 at 4:09pm: Hey man, if something makes me sick, it makes me sick - I can't help that!

I am getting sick of your Yoda-like parables. "likely to add joy to your life if you make a long term match as it is to cause problems if you break up"

What does that even mean?? That's like saying, getting in a car wreck is just as likely as sucking as not getting in one is to not suck. What the?

Comment