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RE: [at-l] Solophile's personal hangup

I'm sympathic to all Sally and Solophile have said.  It's been a life long 
challenge for me,  to be taken seriously by the male population.   I'm  much 
more vocal now and point out to the men when they are being inappropriate or 
paying attention to the wrong person.  My adult son was with me when I was 
looking at trucks and as Sally said, the salesperson only looked and talked 
to my son totally ignoring me.  Finally, I said to the him, "Excuse me!", 
said loud enough so he had to make eye contact, "This will be my truck and 
I'm the one with the checkbook, please address your remarks to me".  It 
worked but it was obvious as his eyes kept shifting to include my son that 
it was very uncomfortable for him.  Some years ago I decided it was  part of 
my job as a woman to help educate the men I come in contact with on how to 
treat an independent woman <VBG>

It has already been an experience lining up subcontractors to build my log 
home in NC.  I've even had to resort to becoming a "southern belle" a couple 
times to get the help I needed.  Of course this should not be necessary but 
it is reality  It also makes great stories later!  Women are making 
progress.  When I talk to the young women today and compare what they can do 
with what I was able to do at their age it's obvious we've made quantum 
leaps forward towards equality and I know we will continue to push for more. 
 But on the other side of this issue are the men who are willing to help us 
break the barriers, who fight the battles with us, guys like my son.

Fortunately, hiking is a fairly solitary sport and one where women are safer 
than anywhere else in the nation, regardless of the few sad occurances on 
the AT.  I thank the MEN who created the trail and am enjoying being part of 
the team that maintains and protects it for ALL who wish to hike.  I love 
this list because I can put my concerns and peeves out here knowing that I 
will be treated with respect.  Doesn't matter if anyone agrees with me or 
not, just being able to say what's on my mind it's so refreshing.

Enough soap box, sorry didn't mean to go off there......

MINC (aka Gweneeth)
Ann Arbor, MI
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From: owner-at-l