Hey guys, thanks for the interview … Really? Is that an acceptable professional way to address a salary negotiation when offered a job by men? I think not. If one did, professionalism would absolutely be called into question. In this case of Vito Perrone, it was pointed out that addressing a group of professional women as “ladies” was perceived as not just a lacking professionalism but as a microaggression. I am sure that Mr. Perrone’s response of “I didn’t intend to insult anyone” is absolutely true. When committing a mircoaggression, none of us intends harm. However it is the impact and not the intent that needs to be addressed.
How does someone and especially a public figure and an educator, respond when a microaggression is pointed out? My hope is that it would be taken as a learning opportunity in order to not offend or insult in the future. In the case of Vito Perrone, to learn why what he thought to be an acceptable way to address professional women could be seen as otherwise. May I suggest starting with a Google search on how long it has been since the use of “Ladies and Gentlemen” was considered an acceptable practice? Personally I cringe when I hear the use of the word “ladies” in any setting as I feel that it takes away all the respect that women fought for in the women’s movement. For me this is not some new politically correct response but a gut reaction that I have had that dates back to growing up female in the 60s and 70s. It comes from a fear of how many of the gains of the women’s movement are being lost and the fear that my power as a woman could be dismissed. This includes the idea that “ladies” could be brought back into professional use.
Jeanne Schubmehl
Florence