Sexism?

[JillHeinerth]

A major diving publication has asked me to write an article on sexism in diving. I'm curious how that makes people feel? Do we still have an issue with sexism in our industry? Are you sick of hearing women complain about unequal treatment? Are there some reasonable suggestions to help women feel validated and men feel informed?
If there are any men or women that want to share any private anecdotes, please PM me.
Thanks!
Jill

[tj]

Great idea.

[skip]

A few years ago my stepdaughter Emily was certified. We went on a trip with the local dive shop to Bonaire. She had been diving a couple quarries before the trip. The first boat dive we were putting BC and regs on tank when an older man pushed her aside saying let me do that for you sweety. Emily stepped between the man and her gear and said no thanks sweety, I prefer to do it myself!

[Squirrel Girl]

I'll send a few anecdotes. I haven't had too many problems, but a few. Fortunately there are a ton of wonderful people who treat me like a part of the family as I hope I treat them. Still, every now and again, there are a few problems.

I'll ask this on the thread--Does it bother any of you about sex pot bikini babes in dive gear advertisements? It does me.

[JillHeinerth]

I recall many years ago when Marjorie Banks started the "No Bimbos" campaign at DEMA, giving everyone badges to try to put an end to models in lycra and bikinis selling dive gear. She wanted to see real women who were actually divers. It was an interesting response from men and women... very heated that year!

[Superlyte27]

I'll ask this on the thread--Does it bother any of you about sex pot bikini babes in dive gear advertisements? It does me.

No, it doesn't bother me at all.

[curtschu]

No, it doesn't bother me at all.

Me neither, but then my taste trends more towards the Torrid catalog models. If you have to ask then you don't know.

[MORGAN]

Does it bother any of you about sex pot bikini babes in dive gear advertisements?

No more than the male model types they're posing with. I prefer advertisements that contain actual useful information about products, but they're getting ever more scarce.

[Squirrel Girl]

No more than the male model types they're posing with. I prefer advertisements that contain actual useful information about products, but they're getting ever more scarce.

I see a lot of "attractive" people in diving ads. But there's a significant amount more of overt sexuality associated with the women models.

[MORGAN]

I see a lot of "attractive" people in diving ads. But there's a significant amount more of overt sexuality associated with the women models.

Yes, you're right. Sex sells, most divers are men, and advertising and marketing are all about manipulating behavior.