Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
In the United States, it's rare to find a workplace where women haven't made their mark. However, in a few remaining fields, men still hold a near-monopoly—firefighting being one of them. In 2018, the city of Joliet made headlines by hiring its first female firefighter in its 165-year history. While many fire departments have been integrating women for decades, others still have only one or even no female firefighters on staff.
Nationally, women make up just around 4% of firefighters, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which is significantly lower than the 14% seen in police work and the military. Even industries like farming and construction management have higher percentages of women than firefighting. Despite this, attitudes toward women in the field have gradually improved over the years.
Yet challenges remain. In Fairfax County, Virginia, Firefighter Nicole Mittendorff took her own life in 2016 after enduring online harassment related to her job. A woman was later hired to address gender issues within the department, but she resigned this year, claiming her recommendations were ignored. This highlights the ongoing struggle for equality in the profession.
This year, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the city of Houston, alleging that two female firefighters faced severe sexual harassment, including male colleagues urinating in their dormitory, writing sexist messages on walls, and disabling their communication devices during emergencies. These incidents reveal how far the industry still has to go in ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
The Chicago Fire Department has faced multiple lawsuits over the years regarding discrimination in hiring practices. For years, the department used physical tests that were criticized as biased against women. Eventually, the city agreed to replace them with the Candidate Physical Ability Test, which better reflects the actual demands of the job—climbing stairs, lifting ladders, dragging hoses, carrying equipment, swinging axes, and conducting searches.
A study conducted by researchers at Drexel University in Philadelphia surveyed 30 female firefighters and published their findings in September in the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health. The majority of participants reported facing a double standard, especially if they were the first woman to join a department. Some experienced discrimination or harassment, but many also felt a strong sense of responsibility to support other women in the field. Interestingly, the study found that male firefighters often viewed their female colleagues as more skilled in de-escalating tense situations, calming patients, and assessing risks on the job.
Thanks, Dan
The Chinese backsword has a rich history and was widely used by various Chinese martial arts styles, including the famous Shaolin Kung Fu. It was favored by both infantry and cavalry due to its versatility and effectiveness in close combat.
The design of the Chinese backsword allows for powerful slashing and chopping motions, making it a formidable weapon. The curved blade enhances the cutting ability, while the weight distribution towards the tip gives it a good balance for quick and agile movements.
The dao was not only used in warfare but also played a significant role in Chinese culture and rituals. It was often seen as a symbol of authority and power, and it was also used in traditional Chinese ceremonies and performances.
In conclusion, the Chinese backsword, or dao, is a traditional Chinese weapon with a curved single-edged blade. It has a long history and is widely used in Chinese martial arts. Its design allows for powerful slashing and chopping motions, making it a versatile and effective weapon in close combat.
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