Page 43 - Gi flipbook March 2018

IGEM NEWS | President’s update

CATCHING UP WITH SHEILA

This month, Sheila learns a lesson in inclusion national TV channels choose ‘judges’
and diversity and decides that now is the time who are rude and make cutting
to stand up to the office jerk personal comments on contestants’
looks and failings, rather than
mentors who might give constructive
criticism and advice for the next
’d been racking my brain for not belong in a modern, civilised stage. I thought then to other shows,
sometime, searching for society – and certainly not in a and even news reports, in which bad
inspiration for a topic for this training room. Referring to “s****y behaviour is the norm – or even
article. What about something boots” and making comments like, celebrated and sensationalised. The
I on 2018 being the Year of the “you never know when Abdul might more we show the general public the
Engineer? Hmmm, but from what attack” or, “the woman in the kitchen” lowest common denominator of
angle? From a STEM perspective, I – his behaviour left me dumbstruck at society for the sake of a few laughs
wonder if the lure of a career in the time. He was an utter moron. (and worse, make these people
engineering would be more tempting For me, the most disappointing celebrities), the more backwards
if it were a recognised, protected thing about the whole episode was steps we take, away from the
title, but I think that’s a different my own behaviour. Did I interrupt him inclusive society in which we ought
debate. While still scratching my and tell him his language was to be striving to create.
head, a notification popped into my inappropriate? I’m embarrassed to say Sadly, there are still people in
inbox from one of my clients inviting I did not, but I wish I had. influential places who need to be
me to a training course, compulsory I have drafted feedback to the taught good manners and respect.
for staff and contractors alike on training company who provided the Like your choice of career, car or
inclusion and diversity. Really? I course, but is that enough? I had the music; your skin colour, sex, size and
thought. Does a female engineer in a opportunity to speak up and highlight, religion do not define whether you
male-dominated industry need this not only to the perpetrator, but to the deserve to be treated with respect.
explained? In fact, with recent news other 11 men in the room, that this was However, the manner in which you
highlighting #MeToo and the unacceptable. Now, those of you who treat others and how you behave does.
scandalous antics of the Presidents know me may find this next statement I’m proud of my choices, I’m proud to
Club (I wasn’t invited!) does anyone hard to swallow, as I am quite be an engineer and to work in the
still need this reinforced? outspoken, but in certain situations you industry I have chosen. Please be brave
A day or two later, during a feel that if you speak out the blokes and find your voice. Not only should
technical training course, it became might accuse you of being an over- we act appropriately, but we should
apparent there is a need to reinforce sensitive female, so you keep quiet. I challenge those who are lacking to
messages of inclusion and diversity. wish I had stopped him. I wonder if any improve their conduct. In this Year of
I’m not sure if the trainer was trying of the 11 men feel the same. Engineering, let’s set the equality bar
to look cool, or just build a rapport With this playing on my mind, I high enough that we stand up to reach
with the class, but his bad language, caught a glimpse of a reality TV show it, and influence others to meet the
misogynistic and racist comments did at the weekend, and wondered why standards we define. ■

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