Chris Eden Green is back with another thought provoking video. This time about sexism in railway preservation. While focusing on British rail preservation, this is applicable to the US as well.

https://youtu.be/VMe2kMarUWs

I guess at the core of it, the main problem from what I’ve seen in the video is the capability of these figures to do the jobs that need doing. This applies to every new volunteer (men included) but unfortunately more so to women, as to many old goats it could seem that they wouldn’t be interested in that line of work, or the assumption that they don’t have the strength to carry out the work.

Much like you would assume a nurse in hospital or a grade school teacher would be a woman, there’s the assumption that an engineer, fireman, or conductor would be a man, for better or for worse.

Thankfully, it seems like this attitude lessens as proof of capability is shown. As shown in the video, it can still linger but it seems like the worst of it goes away. That isn’t an excuse for some of the things that still occur, but it is a small positive in all of this.

Based on the perspectives shown in the video as well as just from general knowledge, I don’t think it’s a widespread all reaching issue, in the sense that not every organization has this problem and not everyone is put through the same experiences, rather it’s specific individuals or specific organizations that are guilty of these issues. As shown by recent and relevant discussions about some organizations and their unwillingness to give younger volunteers larger roles, this problem overlaps quite a bit.

That is a great video that should be required viewing. I’m happy to report that we don’t seem to have those issues and are welcoming to anyone to help in any way or learn any job. As a small organization, we can’t afford to alienate anyone that wants to join and work with us. Even our CEO occasionally pitches in and is welcome on the track gang which is one of the most physically demanding jobs we have. If you don’t know, our CEO’s name is Anna.

This video seems like an attempt to secure a connection with the current social climate.

As a man, I don't have a convenient label of "sexism" to place upon any man who has talked down to me, tried to hold me back, belittled me, or questioned my capability. I think it's a bit simple-minded to broadly apply the term "sexist" anytime that the offender and offendee are of different sexes. Sometimes a person's gender is just a tool another person uses to be rude (like a "yo mama" joke). That's not to say the behavior is acceptable but, that's not what makes a person a sexist.

The main reason we are hearing about the bad experiences in the first place is because of the growing number of women joining the hobby/ industry. The irony there should not be lost on anyone. These growing pains are good as long as they lead to resolutions to their respective problems.

The numbers of women in various parts of the industry, according to the video, ranged from 6.5 - 16%... not a large percentage by any means but, growing. So how can people still be resentful when others are surprised to see a woman in the various rolls? The data shows there aren't many. Why wouldn't you be surprised to see a lady conductor? That's no excuse to be rude and ask her why she's not in the kitchen but, it seems a little over-the-top to be offended by someone's surprise or ignorance. In many of the cases cited in the video it was reaction from the general public that hurt... not just the railroad people. We have long established in this forum that the general public is ignorant about trains and railroads. Why is remotely shocking that they would be ignorant about an admittedly small fraction of the people who work on the railroad?

I believe there are still sexist dinosaurs out there working on the railroad. I believe there are people who like to run off at the mouth in such a way that they often make women feel uncomfortable. I do not believe these people are the majority. I don't treat people poorly like that and I don't know anyone who does (at least to my knowledge.)

Good point. Unfortunately, there are a lot of equal opportunity disdainers out there. Even if the disdain is expressed in a sexist manner, for example, the miserable wretch is really just trying to spread his or her unhappinesss and is picking the least mentally challenging and simplest way of doing it (age, gender, clothes, accent, whatever). Misery loves company.

When it comes to workwear, the ladies should go three to four inches above their average waist size...

https://www.round-house.com/collections ... b-overalls

In the course both of my working career at a Class I and my volunteering time at a railway museum I've had the opportunity to work alongside some terrific women, and I have never understood the reasons behind the sexism that is still very real and present in our society (I myself am both white and male).

There are still a lot of men at work, some younger than you would expect, who do not think women belong in the workplace. They are the minority now, but there are many more who follow along with the same beliefs and make various comments behind the backs of the women they are talking about. This is wrong, but it can be difficult to call out, and truly changing the mind of someone with that attitude is even harder.

If I do try, I like to point out several female co-workers who are among the smartest railroaders I know. One Engineer in particular recently retired after a full career in train and engine service, and for my entire working career she was one of the 'go to' trainers for new student engineers, due to her great attitude and deep experience. Another was the Local Chairperson (Shop Steward/Union Rep) for Conductors for many years, having been elected to that position by her peers.

Just before the pandemic started a young female conductor trainee was placed on the switcher assignment I was working at the time. She had previously been given some poor reviews by at least one other conductor who falls into the misogynistic category. Being small in stature, she initially had some difficulty with switches, air hoses, and handbrakes, but we showed her a few tricks and techniques and after a few weeks she was working as well as any of us. Very smart and eager to learn, with an all-around great positive attitude, she was the best trainee I'd had in years (interestingly enough, the smartest one before her was also a young woman). We made sure our written reviews reflected this, and she has since qualified as a conductor. And I have no doubt she'll make an excellent engineer one day.

The same goes for the preservation scene, my organization only has a few female volunteers but they are even more dedicated than many of the men (like so many groups, we have a group of 'old boys'). One is the best heavy-duty mechanic I've ever met, while two others hold positions on our Board of Directors.

For all relevant purposes of railroading and historic preservation, women are no different than men, and should be treated accordingly.

I am somehow an older guy now and remember well the very prevalent sexist attitudes in industry back in the 70s.

But if any person regardless of race, religion or sex wants to be offended by some Ahole it is going to happen. I worked as a nurse for 15 years before retiring. If you think men are bad just go work with all women in a mostly womens work place. The double standards apply to men working in a woman's environment. Show me where a person can go to work or volunteer where your not going to meet an Ahole? I have a very warped sense of humor. The next guy is milk and toast. The next guy is a born again Christian, the next guy or gal is a flaming liberal. The next person is a right wing extremist. When you start a new job is everybody sweet and wonderful? I never had that experience as most people are awkward at best around new hires and visa versa. If it is a problem step up and say something. I think it is more of a answer to a question that I don't see needing to be asked? Again if a Neanderthal member is obviously out of line then address it. I agree some of this type of "talk" shouldn't happen. But if your going to berate every man who says stupid things like some of the examples then we all better get in line. Hotbox said a mouthful in his comments and I agree with him. "Men, think about what you say before talking" and "women quit looking for reasons to be offended", none of you are in Kansas anymore.

I worked in three shops around the country where women were working on steam locomotive and coaches. One of the ladies was quite able to be offensive if one chose to be offended. The one shop took this subject to task and started a "ladies" work weekend. He had about 5 ladies who just ate it up and liked doing the dirty work and learning. It was an awesome idea and it was working when I was there last. I commend Bret for his thinking outside of the box. He was willing to teach them and show them how to do some pretty nasty dirty work. The majority of male volunteers would of shied away from the dirty work the ladies did. I just don't know how many serious offenders there are left out there? But if I am around and I saw some blatant hazing going on I would step up regardless if it was a male being picked on or a women. We just can't afford to be Aholes anymore. To anybody. But again put your big boy pants on or big gal pants on, don't be a woos. If someone is rude to you speak up. It might be an unintended slight and you might enlighten the guy who meant nothing by it. If the guy or gal is a dolt, then stick up for yourself and tell them what they need to hear. They probably won't ever bother you again. A much easier problem to address than where is the money going to come from. Regards, John.

PS same thing applies to the older grunts not including the new young guy in a group hug. Stick it out and show you have genuine interest. If that doesn't work, go find a different place within or without that museum. Being offended all the time is exhausting.

I remember waving to her on more than one occasion and always got one back along with a smile...

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=1409219

Very good point hotbox. I guess there’s also a lot to be said about if some of what people say is “over the top”. I won’t speak on the behalf of anyone, but judging some of the comments that were discussed in the interviews, some people might just be taking comments the wrong way.

Best example to me is with the 35 year experienced fireman (or in this case, a firewoman), describing engineers who have said “let’s see how good you really are” after hearing about how good she was at firing. That doesn’t really sound like it’s a comment rooted in sexism, more like a comment a boss would make to a new employee with a great track record. Idk, everyone can interpret things differently, and if she interpreted as an insult, then so be it. I wasn’t there, so I’m not one to judge her reaction.

But as for Chris Eden Green, that’s kind of what he does with the GTI series. He’s been quick to pounce on some of the more hot button topics in typically British railroad information, whether it’s related to a specific tourist line’s expansion efforts, coal in Britain, livery debates, replicas vs rebuilds, etc etc etc. My favorite video of his is his video talking about the famous Lynton and Barnstaple railway and its efforts in rebuilding the former 1ft 11 and 1/2 gauge railway. It’s worth the watch.

In several settings, I’ve been the unexpected—younger than they expected when I started writing local history umpteen years ago, older than they expected when they run into me messing with a computer, woman when they expected a man, etc. Most of the comments are merely annoying, at most, and a simple low-key reaction handles it. Also, people with autism may be socially awkward without intending harm, and a firm but polite explanation not only heads off trouble but may be much appreciated.

If you realize it’s not a mistake, most offenders who know someone else has seen the behavior will stop. What has worked for me is “That (comment, behavior, inappropriate or dangerous horseplay, joke) is not cute, it isn’t funny, and no one else here is laughing. Don’t do it again.” Make sure the message gets through. If you let the loudmouth, prankster or Ms. Always Right keep going, you may lose a bunch of volunteers and may get in legal trouble if you don’t make them stop the sexism, racism, anti-disability rant or whatever. It should be obvious that anyone who won’t follow safety rules can’t hang around. Having a good policy and procedure manual can help a whole lot.

Finally, there are still people who are actually dangerous (mostly, but by no means all, men) and a lot of them are really good at hiding it. After something really bad happens, there are always coworkers, etc. who blame themselves because they thought “He seems like a great guy. She has to be overreacting.” If your gut tells you not to leave that vaguely creepy new volunteer alone with the cash register, box of valuable brass or female coworkers, pay attention.

A lot of good honest men don’t realize how watchful most women have to be about odd behavior from strangers who may mug us or worse. If we come to you with a concern, it’s likely to be very specific, not a vague “I don’t like him.” If you hear the same complaint from more than one person, and most especially if you see the behavior live or on security cameras, be willing to accept that there may be a serious problem. It’s not fun to have to call the cops, but sometimes nothing else is the right or even safe reaction. I live outside of town, in an area with very low crime. I don’t do illegal stuff or hang around in rough bars. That hasn’t stopped me from being in really bad situations several times, not of my own making, and only that combination of divine intervention and knowing when to overcome denial has brought me this far.

I think where lucky at the Cuyahoga Valley we have tons of Females on our crew as conductors we have our amazing volunteer coordinator Sherri. We all recognize that we are there to keep trains rolling and the work we do shows. We do have some more capital then other groups due to the type of operation we do and the sponsors we have. But the overall attitude of anyone from anywhere has really worked there. I really appreciate the fact that me and my Wife can go up there work our assignments and have a blast doing it

In the rush toward inclusiveness, one might consider honouring the exclusive. In the steam traction hobby, a relatively new group called "Ladies of Steam" has gained some traction!

https://www.facebook.com/ladiesofsteam/

This group has had some success. Not only has it brought many women into that hobby, it has brought along many young women -- and young entrants to any hobby is good.
I have no idea if the group encountered old boyz network obstacles along the way -- you would have top ask them. However, they have generally got along well.
They are willing to work hard and to get filthy around and inside a boiler. That alone brings acceptance.
The Ladies have also done the work to earn their steam operating licenses, and to understand boiler safety. They can take the engines through their paces at shows in hard threshing and ploughing work.
As modern, intelligent, and independent persons, the Ladies of Steam have shown what can be done.

Honestly I am just going to take a minute to fanboy here, but I really appreciate how Chris Eden Green's Gauge the Issue series has just been such a great series in presenting railroad editorials and "cutting through the crap" to get to his point. Its frankly been very impressive to watch the whole series. Beyond the latest video, most of the rest of Gauge the Issue is great to check out too; some of the episodes are just movie reviews or life updates from Chris, but the best videos are really great editorial pieces about preservation issues such as COVID, coal shortages, rolling stock repair, etc.

Personally, I don't see why this particular "ism" should even be a problem any longer but then, I'm from central PA where we've always put our womenfolk to work. LOL