After all the recent grumblings from random celebrities about gender wage equality, I got to thinking; why exactly are women so bent out of shape about earning as much money as men? I mean I can understand wanting equal wage for equal pay and I have no problem with everyone being compensated regardless of gender, race creed, or otherwise. My bone of contention is if women truly desired equity related to wage compensation, why are they asking for the slate of decades of inequity to be wiped clean and for us to start anew? To hell with equal pay, why are women not demanding back pay and gender reparations?
I may not be the first man to say this but its probably been a long time since its been said so listen closely; Women should not be paid as much as men. Women should be paid MORE! It makes zero sense that in 2015 the discussion regarding equity in any capacity is a discussion. Should all eligible candidates be given the same compensation for the same tasks performed? One would hope that question would be rhetorical at this juncture in social evolution but, unfortunately, it still necessitates an answer. The answer is a resounding hell to the yes by the way!
There have been many failed attempts by the governing patriarchs (Republicans and Democrats alike) to project an air of equity for women via legislation such as the recently passed Lily Ledbetter Act. Enacted in 2009, this piece ofâŠlegislation only guarantees women the right to litigate should they uncover disproportionate salary distribution. It is not a mandate for equal wage. Now letâs face it, when was the last time you ran into a group of coworkers openly discussing compensation? More importantly, which one of these coworkers are you convincing to jeopardize their livelihood and testify on your behalf? The fact of the matter is the Lily Ledbetter Act means well but does little to mitigate the underlying issue; Chauvinism.
A portion of salary inequity has been attributed to women in that they are the gender least likely to negotiate during compensation discussions. A man may ask for an additional $5K while women are likely to accept the initial offer as is, as an example. Not taken into account however are gender stigmas during said negotiations and the fact that you are most often negotiating with a man, and as we all know, an aggressive man in the work force is considered a go-getter and an aggressive woman is considered to be menstruating. Said negotiations may not end so favorably for women should they choose to engage.
Also not considered is that men have more experience with all aspects of the workforce including salary negotiations because MEN deliberately kept women out of the work force. So men, please forgive these naĂŻve women for their lack of knowledge for you see, it is deliberately your fault that they lack this knowledge. This is evidenced by the rapid rate in which women have made income strides since being allowed a somewhat even playing field.
We cannot continue to purport the sentiment of equality while disregarding the rights of those we live alongside. We are still a morally bankrupt nation in several industries as it relates to equity of representation financially and otherwise (Corp, NCAA, Law Enforcement, etcâŠ) When any business files for bankruptcy, they have to pay their creditors first. America is indebted to all those that have historically labored unfairly for its success and if we are ever to truly atone, we need to pay what we owe.