Woman Butcher Job Shamed: Why Appearance Is Still Criteria To Judge Ability?

Samantha, a Canadian who works numerous jobs and is enrolled in a college course in fashion design, recently recounted her story of dealing with job shaming at her place of employment as a female butcher. She explained in her TikTok video that a client refused to be served by her because of the way she looked. Samantha gave viewers a peek at what it's like by talking about her experiences working in a field that is largely dominated by men.

She described an instance where a client turned down her assistance and asked to talk with a "real butcher" because Samantha, in the client's assessment, was "too attractive" to be working in that position.

Woman Butcher Job Shamed

In the video, Samantha provided images of her hair and makeup to show how she looked on that particular day. She responded to the customer's statement by jokingly asking, "Are you going to offend me or compliment me? Make up your mind." Samantha responded at the time by saying "thanks" to the client, displaying her upbeat perspective on the situation.

Moreover, Samantha considered the client's request to talk with a male butcher because she felt that they would likely have more expertise in the subject. However, she emphasised that she had greater authority than any of the present male coworkers due to her position. She highlighted that, formerly, the position was predominately occupied by men and that she was frustrated by individuals who were doubting her ability because of her gender. In the comments, another woman described her experience, saying that her family owns a butcher shop and that she frequently sees entitled people insist on only being served by her father.

Why Not To Take Sexist Remarks As Compliments:

While many viewers applauded Samantha’s physical appearance and suggested that she should perceive it as a compliment, it is important to recognise that sexist compliments, even if intended as such, should not be accepted because they reinforce harmful gender stereotypes and contribute to the perpetuation of inequality and discrimination.

Why is it that certain jobs are exclusively meant for people with specific appearances or gender roles? Why are beauty and physical appearance still determining someone's ability or suitability for a particular profession? We should focus on valuing individuals for their skills, qualifications, and dedication to their work rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

They can reinforce the idea that a person's value lies solely in their physical attributes rather than their skills, talents, or contributions. It's crucial to foster an environment where compliments are based on a person's character, skills, achievements, or other meaningful attributes rather than perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes. Everyone deserves to be recognised and appreciated for their unique qualities and contributions, irrespective of their gender or appearance.

By rejecting and addressing such remarks, we can promote a more inclusive and respectful culture that values individuals for their qualities and accomplishments beyond their appearance.

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Feature Image Credit: NEWS 18