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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think this is a bit sexist

57 replies

captaincake · 29/09/2015 21:48

Why are men excluded? women's winter workshop

OP posts:
abbieanders · 29/09/2015 21:49

It's the injustice de nos jours. Boo, and indeed, hoo.

FarFromAnyRoad · 29/09/2015 21:50

Where does it say that men are not allowed?

treaclesoda · 29/09/2015 21:51

Presumably it's because women often feel intimidated, and talked down to by men, when it comes to cars. So doing a female only session allows them to learn what they want to know without fear of being patronised or intimidated by men.

There would be no need for it if so mamy men weren't sexist towards women when it comes to cars...

sugar21 · 29/09/2015 21:53

I thought men knew it all

captaincake · 29/09/2015 21:53

It's in the title. I'm sure if someone asked they wouldn't mind just seems a bit stupid to not just call it "winter workshop"?

OP posts:
SkaterGrrrrl · 29/09/2015 21:54

YABU.

fulldutypaid · 29/09/2015 21:56

Grin we are allowed separate pursuits surely.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 29/09/2015 21:58

I'd be more likely to attend a womans only one. I'd assume it was for a total novice, which I am., and full of other total novices.

PacificDogwod · 29/09/2015 21:58

I bet there will be wonderful mansplaining.

AlpacaLypse · 29/09/2015 21:59

It doesn't say men aren't allowed. But it does say

'Halfords is holding a free introductory winter motor workshop
for women in stores this October. This is an ideal session for
women who want to learn the basics of taking care of their car
and getting it ready for the winter months.'

So it is implicitly aimed at just one demographic - female car owners/drivers.

However, I know several penis owners who are pretty clueless about routine maintenance, and several vagina owners who are really up to speed (including myself, preens)

So, OP, yanbu.

Senpai · 29/09/2015 22:00

Because cars are a predominantly man's territory, and most men know basic stuff like that by the time they're adults from their fathers. An all woman class breaks down that barrier and tells them cars are for them too, it can also tailor the class towards woman's interests like what to do if your car breaks down. How to quickly change a tire if you're on the side of a road while being safe. It's like having a man's sewing class, sewing is a good skill and they can tailor it to men's interests.

As soda mentioned, men can get patronizing about explaining car troubles. Though, I do have a mechanic that talks to me like an actual human and explains what's going on.

Honestly though, I already know about most of that stuff. The only basic thing I can't do is change the oil on my own because I have nothing to prop my car up.

AlpacaLypse · 29/09/2015 22:00

And about 12 xposts... How dare my children interrupt me when I'm MNing!?

LilacSpunkMonkey · 29/09/2015 22:02

Yes, it is sexist.

Not nice is it?

Women get this shift every day.

Suck it up, buttercup.

treaclesoda · 29/09/2015 22:04

I know a whole lot more about cars than my dh does. But I think if I was going to go to a class about basic car maintenance I'd still prefer a women only one. Because some (not all!) men can just be such patronising dicks when it comes to cars.

QueenofLouisiana · 29/09/2015 22:05

I've been to one of these- albeit held by a motor group (about 20 years ago). It was great! I learned a lot about easy to sort out car problems and it have used the knowledge.

I'm not sure if have felt comfortable with a load of petrol headed blokes ready to show off their 'superior' knowledge.

abbieanders · 29/09/2015 22:06

On what topic are they not patronising dicks?

LemonySmithit · 29/09/2015 22:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EduCated · 29/09/2015 22:09

Being charitable, I think it's well meant, and women are perhaps less likely to know about car maintenance, due to societal attitudes around cars being a traditionally male thing.

But I think this exacerbates the problem as much as it helps it. Advertise it as a basic session for all, don't assume women don't even know the basics, and don't assume men will. There are ways to make it welcoming to women who may be put off without making it exclusive.

EduCated · 29/09/2015 22:10

But then Halfords haven't covered themselves in glory with their kids bikes lately.

PacificDogwod · 29/09/2015 22:11

What is sexist is not that men are not 'invited' Hmm but the implication that us little womenz need an extra speshial heads up about such complicated things like window wipers.

It is profoundly sexist on several levels Angry

queenoftheworld93 · 29/09/2015 22:11

This has got to be one of the most patronising things I have ever seen... YANBU

Senpai · 29/09/2015 22:13

But I think this exacerbates the problem as much as it helps it. Advertise it as a basic session for all, don't assume women don't even know the basics, and don't assume men will. There are ways to make it welcoming to women who may be put off without making it exclusive.

I think it's really as simple and non-personal as... a beginner class won't appeal to men, and a car class won't appeal to women. So a class geared towards women teaching the basics is the smartest way to go and advertise your class.

EduCated · 29/09/2015 22:15

Won't it, Senpai? Do we actually know this, or are we just assuming that women won't go to car workshops, and men won't want the basics. All gets a bit chicken and egg.

JeanSeberg · 29/09/2015 22:15

The content makes it sound as patronising as fuck:

Checking Oil
Checking wiper blades
Advice on checking your lights
Screen wash check with a free top-up for every participant
Top tips on taking care of your car this wInter

captaincake · 29/09/2015 22:16

lilac I am a woman.

OP posts: