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Lowenna Waters
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There's no denying that everyday sexism exists, and is a constant drag on women.
Whether it's a cat call when crossing the road, an assumption based on the clothes you're wearing, or a dismissive comment in a meeting; it's a reality most women simply have to take in their stride.
It's encouraging, therefore, when someone deals with sexism in a witty, constructive, and graceful way.
That's exactly what author Lauren Groff did when she was faced with a question that's most often asked to women, but never to men.
When being interviewed for the Harvard Gazette about her work, the interviewer proceeded to ask her how she manages to get her work done while also being a mother.
She had the best possible response:
I understand that this question is of vital importance to many people, particularly to other mothers who are artists trying to get their work done, and know that I feel for everyone in the struggle.
But until I see a male writer asked this question, I'm going to respectfully decline to answer.
Good for @legroff https://t.co/nuBIzkIXcr https://t.co/ueYd16rJs0— Ann Marie Lipinski (@Ann Marie Lipinski) 1531930165
Despite being asked in all good faith, by only asking this question to mothers, a sexist dialogue is perpetuated that it's only women that deal with child care and parenting.
Many women on Twitter were impressed by her response.
@AMLwhere @legroff Well done ...— terry_murphy (@terry_murphy) 1531944053
And some shared their experiences of sexism.
@SovernNation @AMLwhere @legroff So once I got a phone call; person asked where I was and I said at work. Their res… https://t.co/DRfeLnsycu— Kelly K-C (@Kelly K-C) 1532033539
Some men thought she was awesome, too.
@AMLwhere @awryaditi @legroff Bravo 👏 🤗— Hemendra Malviya(sid) (@Hemendra Malviya(sid)) 1532074860
Some said that in their experience men and women are asked the question.
@AMLwhere @legroff Um, as a father of 2 who struggles to find enough time to write, I am always keenly interested i… https://t.co/NQ9CVJDJLb— Doug Sovern (@Doug Sovern) 1531938682
And other men explained how they manage the juggle.
@AMLwhere @legroff Here's how I'd answer that question if asked: Not well. One or the other is always suffering.— Michael Kruse (@Michael Kruse) 1531945797
Others thought she should have just answered the question.
@AMLwhere @legroff I don't read many interviews, but I've heard men speak to this at plenty of in-person interviews… https://t.co/8KsUUOOW63— Michaela L Cane (@Michaela L Cane) 1532052018
@AMLwhere @legroff tough call, this one. I've had so many students thank me for explaining how personal circumstanc… https://t.co/Ni1l9Qp2Kq— K Benton-Cohen (@K Benton-Cohen) 1532016720
But some thought the response was the best it could be.
@AMLwhere @legroff https://t.co/Q5fr072Q1K— Kristen Ryals (@Kristen Ryals) 1532042894
@AMLwhere @legroff https://t.co/4KCRmYEyxp— Cate Faggella🏳️🌈🙏🌊🏜🕉☯️ (@Cate Faggella🏳️🌈🙏🌊🏜🕉☯️) 1531978105
@AMLwhere @legroff https://t.co/gtezfIVRue— Robin Bargheon (@Robin Bargheon) 1531999742
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