There was a time when the term “Cat Woman” referred to a specific character in the Batman comic books or films. Not so much today, especially after it was revealed a certain politician stamped U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris with the term. Some critics believe the phrase serves as a reminder of the double standards women face in their careers.
Certainly, the term is not even about cats, as our Vice President reportedly does not own a feline. But the question remains, would you be offended if someone in the workplace referred to you as one?
Workplace Language
Oftentimes, language can be a tool for inclusion or a low-key weapon of disrespect. The term “Cat Woman” today implies women who do not have children are less worthy or perhaps not fulfilling their “job.” Simply put, it is a stereotype that women who don’t have children have cats as substitutes.
Workplace Words
There have been great improvements over the past two decades, but it should be noted gendered language can still be ingrained in our thinking. Here’s a few examples. When women in the workplace are described as “aggressive,” men behaving the same way are “born leaders.” Perhaps a woman negotiating her salary is “demanding,” while a man arguing for better pay is “ambitious.” And so on.
Workplace weaponization
These examples serve to highlight a larger issue where language is not merely used to communicate but can potentially reveal biases that contaminate the workplace. Language can be and is used as a weapon. For an example, simply check out X (formerly known as Twitter) one afternoon.
Workplace Bias
Workplace language can reveal a hidden bias that both men and women often have to navigate daily. It should be noted, words influence perceptions, shape reputations and affect careers. But there is a solution.
Ask yourself a simple question, “Would I use this language to describe myself? A family member? A friend?” If the answer is no, you should find a polite alternative. If someone else uses similar language, call it out and enter into a constructive conversation.
Here at GroupOne Background Screening, we have women who own cats, women who own dogs, men with cats, men with dogs, single employees, married employees and a few living with their parents. One size or belief never fits all. We are a diverse community and culture, fulling deserving of equal respect in the workplace.
And besides, we all know Michelle Pfeiffer was the best “Cat Woman” anyway.