Bias, prejudice and
oppression exists anywhere in our daily life, which sometimes are so tiny that
we might ignore but feel uncomfortable with. For example, every time when I go
to the public toilet, there exists a phenomenon that we, women always have to
line up in a long queue to wait for their turns but men don't need to. This is
one example of gender bias because the physical differences between female and
male are not considered, such as the ratio of female and male, the different time
spans that women and men need, and the like. Equity does not just mean equality.
The equal number of female toilets and male toilets means the lack of recognitions
of the differences between female and male, which leads to inequity. I feel
always embarrassed and uncomfortable when I am lining up for my turn and a man
would pass by and give a surprising look. I learn from some news that in some
places in China, such as Zhuhai and Taiwan, some policies have been implemented
to build up more female toilets to ensure the equity between female and male. I
hope in more places the government can take such measures to diminish inequity.
Xiaowan,
回复删除Thanks for your post about equity and equality, I never thought about the bathrooms for men and women and that there is always a line at the women’s bathroom. Funny story, my sisters’, and I was at a game and was standing in line for about 10 minutes and there was no line for the men’s room. Therefore, we just decided to take over the men’s room and stood guard while the women in line could use the rest room. Then as the men came to use it we told them they had to wait in line and they did. I believe that we must stand up for equality.
Xiaowan,
回复删除Yes! We have the same problem in America. I'm glad that you made that point. There are always long lines for women, and no line (ever) for men. I have been known to use the men's room as well. Some places do not even offer public restrooms, such as when you are sight-seeing at a city. It is interesting to discover that this is an international problem!
Thanks for sharing!
Bonnie
Xiaowan,
回复删除Wow, I never would have looked at the restroom issue with men and women as gender issues. And your exactly right about the ratio of male and female leads to inequality. Something so simple such as the restroom toilets are not often recognize as discrimination towards gender. Thanks for sharing, great post!