Gender Discrimination

I finally had a chance to read the actual article. Much of the complaint seemed to be about at one specific dealer that is probably in the Chicago area. I do not think you can do much about it. Shows are not going to bad obnoxious dealers - it is best to avoid them.

As a woman, all I can say is ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? And people wonder why I am at times embarrassed to be female...

Every hobby I have, other than gardening, is male dominated. Sometimes it causes "issues", but very MINOR issues. If a woman wants to be part of a male dominated hobby, she needs to be prepared to put up with some "pooo" now and then.

And this is coming from a gal who isn't very social and gets nervous around lots of people.

When I read the letter to the editor in the AP I was reminded of the various times I had cringed and thought 'ut oh'. But when I showed it to my wife, she read it, and then said, 'oh please, deal with it'. My wife, who is very much a 'Type B' personality, is also an incredibly strong person.
Don

The organization's silence on how it treats women suggests that rudeness and discrimination is ok. It's not ok to me.

Face it, some dealers are total buttheads. On the other hand, I remember watching a show dealer spend more than a half-hour showing a stamp to a young collector, explaining its use, condition and why it was a rare item knowing that there was no way that teenager was going to buy the Canada 12d. Black he was letting the young man handle.

The APS membership committee discussed the letter at its Friday teleconference; we view it as a membership issue and, in particular, take the view that dealers at APS shows are representatives of the APS and the hobby. I expect that the APS Dealer Council, as it gets started up, will be looking at the issue.

my personal view: it's impossible to legislate away stupidity, but there can and should be consequences for unprofessional dealer behavior. I note that section 12 of the APS code of ethics (and section 19 of the ASDA code) call for "accepted standards of morality and courtesy".

Matt Liebson
Chair, APS Membership Committee

It seems to me that women who say "just deal with it" are content to be treated as second class citizens. No one should have to "just deal with it" without having recourse.

Are you saying my wife is content to be treated as second class citizen? Why would you go there?
Don

I made a statement about women in general. If she said that as well, then that is the only conclusion to be drawn. Equality must be fought for, it is not handed to people, especially since so many are unwilling to give it. "Get over it" is just another power statement by oppressors and an acceptance from the oppressed.

I do not agree that posting your opinion at the expense of others who might feel this way is contributing anything of value. It is insulting and you should have considered others.

You do not know my wife and your sweeping generalization is wrong. My wife has had to deal with being told her husband would not survive, made live and death decisions, and preserved through more than anyone should have to in the last 2 years. She has more strength, courage, and pride than most people. I recommend that you drop this and move on. Don

All very commendable, but one thing has nothing to do with another.

Reading of some bad behavior issues, this thread made me take a look
at my Boy Scout manual for a reference.

These are the rules of an "Old Boy's Club"!

Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Venturing Motto

The Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

The Venturing Motto
Lead the Adventure.

Given how discriminatory the Boy Scouts were for many decades, I'm not sure it's the best place to look.

I suspect the room will clear out quickly now. It's amazing how suddenly a discussion can go off the rails.

That's because people don't like being reminded that discrimination exists; especially in places where they chose to ignore it or perhaps even agreed with it.