Yes its sexism, not oversensitivity. I too have experienced similar situations and I believe you have every right to fight it, complain about it, take your business elsewhere and have your mail addressed to you in your name. I truly believe that if we make an effort one day we won’t just have to put up with it or let it go. If you don’t show and explain to society how you wish to be treated they will never get it. You can’t win with every jerk out there but at least you can stand up for yourself. As I am sure the Alpha Consumer knows taking you money to someone who isn’t going to demean you is the best lesson you can teach them.
Nora
of CO
@
Sep 22, 2008 19:48:15 PM
Both
When sales reps try to strong-arm you because you're a woman and they think they can pull the wool over your eyes--or think you know nothing about the item/service for sale, I would call that sexism. I know that when I bought my car two years ago, I didn't get as good of a deal on it as I would have if I had a man with me for the purchase.
As far as being called by your husband's last name and addressing him while talking...oversensitivity would perhaps be the problem. It's always helpful to run a little self-quiz about whether this would bother you if the same treatment were coming from a woman. Or if the man is trying to be respectful to you (or not taking advantage of you) by deferring to your husband.
Grace
of VA
@
Sep 18, 2008 17:01:29 PM
It's sexism
It's plain oldfashioned sexism. We should fight it, complain to managers, etc. But in the long run there will always be people who are sexist, or racist, or just jerks. We have to choose to then ignore it and go on.
Single mom
of CO
@
Sep 18, 2008 14:31:58 PM
Interconnected
If your BS meter is going off the charts, DO NOT buy anything from the one who is ringing that bell. Yes, there is "talk down to you sexism" from male salesmen.
THE ONLY THING WORSE IS WHEN WOMEN DO IT TO WOMEN WITH THE SAME OLD "CONFIDENCE" (aka "CON") APPROACH----AS SARAH PALIN IS NOW DOING TO WOMEN EVERYWHERE. YOU'LL REGRET THAT LIPSTICK ON LYING LIPS.
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
Nora of CO @ Sep 22, 2008 19:48:15 PM
Grace of VA @ Sep 18, 2008 17:01:29 PM
Single mom of CO @ Sep 18, 2008 14:31:58 PM
of @ Sep 17, 2008 12:22:26 PM
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