[TalnSG]

The descriptions of women in regard to Japan's workplace and James' questions are beginning to feel all too familiar.

In the early 1970's I was a theatre major in college. Of 4 major universities and 3 professional theatre's in the area I was the only female in a production management role other than costuming ("sewing and makeup is women's work" so it was ok). I was told repeatedly that women could not and should not use power tools. I was told often enough that women could not supervise construction crews because they could not manage men. It was total BS, but sometimes it really wasn't worth the name calling, being ostracized by both genders, and the necessity of being better than any of men. I completely understood the other women in my productions that gave up in favor of not having their personal lives wrecked. It was blatant discrimination by professors, directors and fellow students. But my stubborness paid off by seeing a steady succession of younger women follow and eventually even the playing field.

Another classic example is that if a man is asked his opinion on a business project and says "No, I think we can find a better way" there may be grumbling, but it is considered a valid judgement. If a woman say's the exact same thing she will often be called "obstinate", "uncooperative", and in private a much fouler term. I still see it happening in the U.S. today and I have seen it in meetings with Japanese (male) executives visiting here. That is what the U.S. government has defined as a "hostile work environment" - the classic piece of evidence in most workplace discrimination suits.