‘Rings Of Power’ Writer Gennifer Hutchison Points Out Sexism In Anthropology. Female Representation In All Professions Is Important!
The knowledge and opinions of women have often been shunned by society and the flagbearers of patriarchy. But we all know that as women we have a lot to offer in terms of knowledge, opinions, experience and so much more. In nearly every profession women are considered to be less than men and we’ve seen the evidence of sexism time and again over the years. But women bring a lot to the table when they’re given access and opportunities. In a recent Twitter thread, Lord Of The Rings fame writer, Gennifer Hutchison pointed out the same with some much-needed examples. Speaking about sexism in the field of anthropology, the writer pointed out why female representation across all professions is essential.
Gennifer Hutchison shared how there have been historical “discoveries” where male anthropologists and historians are unable to figure out what something is only for their questions to be answered by a woman when given access. She went on to call these discoveries her favourite. She pointed out that in most cases these things are traditionally associated with women or domestic life while adding that anthropologists and historians often seem to forget that women exist due to their biases.
My favorite historical "discoveries" are ones male anthropologists/historians just *can't* figure out for YEARS that are swiftly answered by a woman when one is finally given access.
"But what could this ancient tablet of instructions even MEAN!"
Woman: "it's a recipe".— Gennifer Hutchison (@GennHutchison) July 25, 2022
And a lot of times, it's like these men forget women existed.
"The hands in these ancient cave paintings are so small! Must have been the young men painting them!"
Woman: "Women painted them."— Gennifer Hutchison (@GennHutchison) July 25, 2022
Sharing examples of the same, the writer said that this is one of the many reasons why female representation in all professions is crucial because we all have biases and a team full of proper representation can fill the gaps. Gennifer Hutchison further added that if everyone looks at something from the same perspective, then the full picture is missed out. She went on to share that the people in the field of anthropology have known about sexism for a long time while adding that the examples of it are rather amusing. She also shared that she is using these examples to make a point about female representation outside of that one particular field.
(Quick note that I know folks in the field have been aware of this phenomenon for a long time. I still think the examples of it are amusing. And I'm using them as a way to make a point about representation outside of that particular field. Also, sometimes we can just have fun.)
— Gennifer Hutchison (@GennHutchison) July 25, 2022
Also Read: Woman On Twitter Points Out Sexism In The Tech Industry And Why Women Leave. This Is So Unfair!
Twitter seems to be having a field day with this thread as the users point out more such examples of sexism in the field of anthropology and how women have helped figure out so many simple things that male historians couldn’t due to their lack of interest in the domestic sphere. If only men would take household chores more seriously…and value women and their work.
