Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 11. May 23 1977
Sexism shows progress
Sexism shows progress.
Dear friend,
A copy of your issue of 4th April has just come to my notice in which there is a report of a talk I gave to the Women's Study Group in March. First, I had no idea that the talk was going to be reported. Secondly, the report through its false emphasis, distorted the point which I try to put across. It is very easy to sensationalise working-class sexism, especially from the sedate detachment of the academic world. When I described my experiences, I hope to show the positive forces that can be used to overcome sexism. The Longbura' sub-branch had a policy of equality of opportunity lung before I came on the scene — it was in fact a response to the dispute at Whakatu over women on the viscera tables. This received no publicity at the time, nor the fact that women in the now on the viscera tables at Whakatu. I have nothing whatever to do with the growing number of women at freezing works nor the Wellington Branch policy of equality. This policy is a recognition of women in the industry. The undoubted sexism that exists must be balanced against this. My efforts are to fight against sexism by promoting the ideas and feelings that unify men and women. We must not give in to sexism, but we must not exacerbate the bitterness that it inevitably produces. To be dominated by bitterness is defeatist. Your report paints a picture of "bloody men" as if any progress can only be made in the face of their implacable opposition. The conclusions to be drawn from my experience are just the reverse and your report does the struggle for equality no service.
Yours
Vivienne Porzsolt.