Zach LarkinsHIATUS HOUSE
We have a controversy brewing here in town that I think may be a bit ridiculous. We have a Hiatus House here that shelters battered women. Kudos to those who set it up and those who work with the abused women. Last week, a committee of people who work for this organization appointed a man as CEO of the place. This is where the problem started.
This man has worked in one capacity or another at Hiatus House for the past sixteen years. The call went nation wide to find a replacement for the outgoing CEO. The committee decided that he was the right man for the job and installed him in this position.
A number of women take exception to this appointment. They want him to be removed and replaced by a woman. And this is what's causing me grief.
I can understand a woman wanting to be frisked by a female police officer (as if any one really wants to be frisked), I can understand a woman wanting to see a female doctor, whether in hospital or in an office for an internal exam (I know I would be uncomfortable if a woman was giving me a prostate exam), and I can understand a woman wanting to talk to another woman at a home for abused women or a rape crisis centre.
But this man will not be dealing with the women who show up on the doorstep everyday. He, in truth, is nothing more than a glorified pencil pusher. He will set schedules for staff rotations, worry about paying the hydro bills, know who to call if the plumbing backs up, wonder when a new roof has to be installed, keep an eye on the budget so the House can stay in operation, etc., etc., etc. He simply won't have time to deal with the abused women on a one to one basis. And this is the bottom line of the women's complaint.
They seem to feel that if a woman has just escaped one bad relationship, having her deal with a man is a bad idea. First, they wouldn't be dealing directly with him. Second, what is wrong with the thought of showing these women that not all men are the same as the monsters they escaped from?
What do you think? Is it okay for a man to be in this position? Let me know.
This man has worked in one capacity or another at Hiatus House for the past sixteen years. The call went nation wide to find a replacement for the outgoing CEO. The committee decided that he was the right man for the job and installed him in this position.
A number of women take exception to this appointment. They want him to be removed and replaced by a woman. And this is what's causing me grief.
I can understand a woman wanting to be frisked by a female police officer (as if any one really wants to be frisked), I can understand a woman wanting to see a female doctor, whether in hospital or in an office for an internal exam (I know I would be uncomfortable if a woman was giving me a prostate exam), and I can understand a woman wanting to talk to another woman at a home for abused women or a rape crisis centre.
But this man will not be dealing with the women who show up on the doorstep everyday. He, in truth, is nothing more than a glorified pencil pusher. He will set schedules for staff rotations, worry about paying the hydro bills, know who to call if the plumbing backs up, wonder when a new roof has to be installed, keep an eye on the budget so the House can stay in operation, etc., etc., etc. He simply won't have time to deal with the abused women on a one to one basis. And this is the bottom line of the women's complaint.
They seem to feel that if a woman has just escaped one bad relationship, having her deal with a man is a bad idea. First, they wouldn't be dealing directly with him. Second, what is wrong with the thought of showing these women that not all men are the same as the monsters they escaped from?
What do you think? Is it okay for a man to be in this position? Let me know.
youranter
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I have to agree with pretty much everything you and SL have said here...
How is anyone going to prove to these poor women that not ALL men are animalistic mindless batterers if they don't give a man the opportunity to prove that to them?
If this were a woman trying to get the same position in a men's shelter and the men were protesting? Oh forget it...who would listen?
I say give the guy a chance...
Great read buddy!
Take care,
Nick
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Very valid point...I agree with the others here, give the guy a chance...one bad apple doesn't spoil the whole cart ... and, how else do you start to learn to trust again?
Wouldn't it be funny if he turned out to be gay?
Lilla
youranter
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opinionatedranter
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youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern
youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern
youranter
Opinions
opinionatedranter
Tales From The Green Lantern
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
I hope those protesters don't get their way; it would be not only a shame but a step backwards from true equality.
youranter
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