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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Words For The Workplace; Outdated Or Unheeded?

We’ve had this in our files since 1992. It was spoken by author and lecturer Natasha Josefowitz at the “Sex and Power Issues in the Workplace” conference we attended in Seattle six years ago. Looking over all the materials, it was heartwarming to realize that many of the intense problems between the sexes in the workplace have truly been addressed in our society. Some problems have disappeared. Others remain. We want your opinion whether Josefowitz’ words now seem quaint or profound. Or both. Here it is:

“If you call her a woman and not one of the girls.

If you write ‘Dear Sir/Madame’ and not just ‘Dear Sir.’

If you seek her opinion as you would any man’s.

If you go on a trip and do not make a pass.

If she smiles at you warmly, you don’t think she’s turned on.

If she makes more money, your manhood isn’t threatened.

If she becomes your boss, you don’t find it demeaning.

If at her office party, you don’t feel out of place.

If you’re home with sick kids and don’t think it’s HER job.

If she’s in the limelight, you do not feel threatened.

If you do not laugh at chauvinist jokes.

You’re a real man, my friend.”

Celebrate: Corbin Community Center celebrates Women’s Awareness Week with a free presentation each day this week. On Thursday, for instance, historian Jean Oton will give a talk dressed as May Hutton, Spokane’s famous suffragist. Call 327-1584 for reservations.

Daughter Day: Take Our Daughters to Work Day will be held Thursday April 25 this year. The Ms. Foundation is sponsoring a sweepstakes in conjunction with the day and will award $20,000 worth of savings bonds for education. For more information on the day itself, or the sweepstakes, call (800) 676-7780.

Booking: The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) needs books for its RSVP Bookfest to be held May 22-23 at the Spokane Convention Center. If you have books you wish to donate, call 838-3577.

Chocolate lovers alert: The 12th annual Chocolate and Champagne Gala will be Friday evening at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park. Music, auctions - and chocolate, of course - will be highlights. The gala benefits the Spokane Sexual Assault Center of Lutheran Social Services. Call 747-8224.

Movie critic: Our 89-year-old mother-in-law sees a lot of movies. She’s an astute critic. About “The Bridges of Madison County” in which Meryl Streep’s character has an affair with Clint Eastwood’s character, she said: “Just adultery.” And about “Nixon” she said: “Cut it in half.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo