So what’s the big deal? So what if some sections get harassed? That is, after all, just a part of life. Personally, I do not believe that anyone really enjoys being harassed and insulted by their peers, no matter how innocent it looks. Unfortunately, the general consensus of this survey is that its not that big of a deal.
After a while, we get used to the teasing, to the sexual harassment, but that does not mean its okay. Accepting it does not make it hurt any less. Even teasing that is not sexual, still has implications on the grander scale, that we do not usually look at. What are these implications? All this teasing further contributes to the violent atmosphere of our society today, and it is almost inextricably linked to gender, thereby further objectifying women. If the teasing were really just based on section pride, that would be one thing, but its really based more on gender pride. The trumpet is powerful, man is powerful; flute is weak, woman is weak. Having this dichotomous split and then emphasizing it through teasing rituals, does nothing positive for either of the sexes or the band.
While some of the respondents felt these “rituals” and stereotypes are no big deal, others expressed their well-founded anger this way:
It is easy to see how “harmless” teasing can quickly lead to an unpleasant environment for a woman. The directors and teachers who have offended the students above probably received their training in bands where they also thought teasing was harmless. Sexism is very good at reproducing itself.
Unfortunately, there was also another kind of anger expressed in the responses. This anger was directed at me, just for asking a few questions. One trumpet player said this:
What is there to resent? Discrimination may have never happened to this person, but that does not mean it has never happened. I wonder if this person would also resent a study done on victims of rape. Rape may only happen on a “rare occasion,” but that does not mean we should not study it. My asking questions, giving women a voice, is nothing to resent. This same respondent also had this to say:
Other people came up with good reasons for choosing their instrument. Some even came up with bad reasons, and I think all the bad experiences these women shared with me prove that I am not being paranoid. Sexism does still exist, and I am sorry that this respondent is unable to see that. Let’s not be naive here.
Often these angry responses were quite sarcastic, leaving me unable to glean any valuable information from them. I was unable to tell which parts were scoffing at me, and which (if any), parts were serious. The following has been excerpted from a clarinetist’s response. My candid remarks follow each excerpt.
3. How did being female affect your early and high school instrumental education?
it didn't, at least i don't think it did.....i do remember that if we didn't play loud enough we were told to play like boys.
Here, she blatantly admits that sex typing exists in music. Boys naturally play louder.
5. What stereotypes exist about people who play your instrument?
we give good head......um,..boys who play are gay, but good....
Once again, she admits that sexuality is involved with music. Furthermore, how am I supposed to take anything else she says seriously?
8. Have you ever been harassed or intimidated as a result of your instrument and gender?
if you think that a section full of girls, which will inevitably have at least a few cute people in it, never gets flirted with or oggled at by a nearby section full of boys, such as the sax section, then you need to join the real world and study about human behavior, period.
Personally, I have never been of the mind that being “oggled at” is acceptable either, whether there are “a few cute people” involved or a thousand.
9. Has being female ever been an advantage for you within this instrument?
yeah, i bat my eyelashes at the director when we are in band so he thinks that i'm hot for him, thereby raising my chair level.....what the hell do you think? No, of course not! 2 boys sit behind me and one sits in front of me......it seems pretty fair.
I just asked the question. Some women said that it has been an advantage at times. Who is this person to speak for everyone? There was no need to be snide.
10. Have you ever used your femininity to your advantage, musically?
ok, playing musically comes from within. from your heart and your soul...it has nothing to do with your anatomical composition.
This is exactly what I am claiming too, but other people do not seem to agree with us.
11. Do men and women react differently to women who play this instrument?
no. we respect each others abilities regardless of our gender.
Really? Is being “oggled at” respectful? Is being told to play like a boy respectful? Is being labeled gay for no apparent reason respectful?
12. Have you been treated differently in outdoor ensembles vs. indoor ensembles?
no. we just have to play louder.
And in order to do so, you must have a penis, right? Boys are naturally better at playing louder?
13. Additional comments?
there is no basis for this survey in instruments such as mine, and probably the flute and pic section too.
Sexism is everywhere, not just in male dominated sections and these responses actually helped to prove that.
I deeply regret if my questions and the ensuing analysis have offended anyone. I have only wanted to offer a different view point, and get to the bottom of what I see as a serious problem.