by Britney Franco

As a follow up to my last post, I decided to interview a fellow schoolmate about the issue of sexism. That schoolmate is one of my best friends, Polina Solovyeva. I thought that getting the opinion of someone my age would be fitting. We’ve heard a lot about sexism and misogyny, but this time, I decided that it would be best to see what someone who I know personally, and who shares a lot of my views, thinks about the issues.

Britney Franco: Okay, first question: Have you ever seen sexism from teachers?

Polina Solovyeva: Yes. When a teacher comes in and requests children to help him/her carry things, the teacher constantly chooses boys. “Girls are not strong enough,” as they so blatantly put it.

Britney: Right? I hate when they do that! I remember when one of our teachers from last year-who was actually a woman-asked for a few “strong boys” to carry something. When one of the girls asked, “Why don’t you let a girl do it?” the teacher said something along the lines of, “Well, boys have always been stronger than girls.”

Polina: I know what you mean.

Britney: Do you ever see sexism from other students?

Polina: A LOT! Last year when you and I made the International Women’s Day posters and hung them around the school, people wrote “Go back to the kitchen” and “Make me a sandwich” on them. Boys always believe that they are smarter and that women belong in the kitchen. Newsflash: I’m not making you a sandwich!

Britney: HA! I know! I hate when they think it’s so funny to tell girls/women to “go back to the kitchen.” I remember those signs. I was SO tempted to write back: “Why don’t YOU make me a sandwich?” But it would have just been stooping to their levels. Remember that person from last year? He’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks about sexism in school. But he was-and still is-popular, so no one called him out on making sexist “jokes”.

Polina: I know! How was he sexist, though?

Britney: He’s said some things about how women belong in the kitchen, and made fun of me a lot for being a feminist. Like, he said that I hated all men.

Polina: Why didn’t you tell me?

Britney: He wasn’t worth worrying over. I blocked him out a lot. So, what’s your advice to girls facing sexism in school?

Polina: Ummm…say, “I could say the same about you, but I don’t want to stoop down to the same level.”

Britney: That’s good! I’d probably also tell them, “You should check your facts before you say something like that.” If it was something more long-term, though, instead of a stupid comment, then I would definitely tell someone about it, like a parent, counselor, or, if you don’t think those people would understand, a rad feminist friend. Writing about your feelings helps a lot; you’ll definitely feel somewhat better after a rant. Anyway, I think that’s all for now! Thanks, Polina!