Originally posted on Facebook on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

Today, I called technical support, a woman answered and I reported the issue I was troubleshooting and asked if their was anyone who could help me with it.

No big deal, right?

Wrong. Had that been a man on the phone, even if he were the receptionist, I probably would have instinctively asked can YOU help me with that?

I know full well, intellectually and experientially that women are technicians too. But, before I had a chance to even register it, oppressive gender stereotypes that have been prevalent in our culture factored into to a mindless, prejudiced and sexist response.

Rather than minimize it, attempt to explain away the faux pas or try to avoid being labeled a sexist by delineating all the ways I do and have supported women, I need to focus on the greater harm done by a persistent system of oppression and my contribution to it, instead of the lesser harm of a temporary backlash I may experience by admitting it.

To achieve the just, equitable and thriving society I desire, I need to graduate from "I don't have a sexist bone in my body" to "I don't want my neighbor or community harmed by the cancer of sexism. So, I will actively fight it and work to dismantle it -starting in my own thinking."

I repent, am deeply sorry and will be vigilant to confront this evil wherever I may find it, for the well-being of us all.