I think (and maybe some may agree, some may not) after the stigma of the 60's-80's, police forces evolved, as did the Fire Brigade and the Military.
The presence of women doing what was traditionally considered to be male posts, caused shock waves through all the forces. ( civi and armed )
But now, not an eye brow moved if challenged by a female police officer on the street; some excitement maybe, if a women fire officer arrives and starts hauling out life saving equipment off the wagon. Can you imagine the thought of having to chuck one up for a female colonel?
Years have passed since we sent (like a canary in a pit) the lesser nations in first to test the water; hunted down the sexually diverse & prosecuted them being just different, or further back, burnt witches at the stake.
There will always be bigots in every industry, tyrants in all walks of life and dictators will pop up every century to try and make their mark. Interesting thing is, they will appear in male and female form.
The oppression of others is through lack of understanding and failure to acknowledge our own species.
We think we are running ahead of the world, constantly looking down on other animals. Have we forgotten that the human race is just another form of animal?
What makes us different is the rational brain the side of choice.
Forgetting that we have a choice really shows a lack of consideration and should be a warning to ourselves that it is time to grow up.
Other creatures in the animal kingdom bow down and revere the female species, though please note I’m not suggesting we start doing that (only in your own private parties- Whips and chains etc.)
I personally, have not seen any ‘anti-female’ attitude on the circuit since I joined the past 2yrs or more. I have seen and heard a lot of anti-individual comments passed around i.e. late back from breaks, scruffy appearance, not portraying a processional image.
I do also hear “oh not a regiment man” , “he’s alright, but not a boot-neck” “She’s great , ex det !”
Which ties in with another thread about Civi/Mil backgrounds?
I read these quotes not so long ago:-
“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism” O. Winfrey
“Improve yourself, don’t find fault in others – It destroys good Chi (energy)!” Zen.
Just work together and we can all go home in one piece !