I am a first-wave feminist when it comes to women and fishing. I support fisherwomen and am proud of my track record on the subject. I think I have a pretty good grasp of the realities that women face in the world of fishing. This infographic was shared by a lady angler Facebook friend of mine. I think the way it frames things needs to be challenged. I did not do so on the lady's post because I enjoy her posts, and I don't want to run the risk of being unfriended.
My Response To Takemefishing.org and their framing in this infographic.
I take issue with the premise that the so-called "barriers" that women face are unique to women, or even barriers for that matter. The arguments don't even support the premises. Therefore the framing is the usual gobbledegook we find in diversity, equity, and inclusion nonsense.
What women face are not barriers but realities that may or may not be unique to them as individual women.
From the top:
Female anglers face adversity, resistance, disrespect, and under-representation from the industry and fellow anglers.
Yes, and none of that is unique to women. Men face adversity, resistance, disrespect, and under-representation from the industry and fellow anglers. That is the way the world works for good and ill. It is reality. I'm unclear how it can be changed very much without creating equal amounts of adversity, resistance, disrespect, and under-representation. Trade-offs are always involved in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion. There will always be those with advantages and those with disadvantages. There will always be winners and losers, those who have and have not.
On to rebutting the so-called barriers bullet point by bullet point.
Barrier #1 Stereotypes (Think they probably mean Negative Stereotyping.)
- A majority of female anglers do not "feel" stereotyped. What does how someone feels have to do with reality? All anglers are stereotyped in one way or another, both positively and negatively. Why somebody lets that bother them to any great degree is beyond me. Overcome ladies
- 80% of women think of a guy when they think of someone who fishes. Is that supposed to be a problem? What is the ideal % answer? Isn't the relevant question, how many women know a female angler?
- So once again, we are dealing with how a minority of women feel about being respected by the broader angling community, but a larger minority feels disrespected than feels stereotyped. Respect from the broader angling community, what is that exactly? Is it something to which everyone is equally entitled, or is it earned? I think the correct answer is both. There is a base level of respect to which all people are entitled as human beings. There is also a level or type of respect that can only be earned. Another rabbit hole of complexity is that this point deals with the "broader angling community."
- 1/3rd of female anglers have been joked at or mocked by the guys about enjoying fishing. I wonder how many of the women surveyed had been joked at or mocked by females because of their love for fishing. The world of men is populated with A-holes, and how and why men treat women the way they do is a complex minefield.
Barrier #2 Unwelcoming Retail Environment-Not Going to touch on this one; I'm not in retail and will not be an apologist for it as an industry.
Barrier #3 Lack of Community
- 25% of Lapsed anglers have no one to go fishing with. Unclear if this was women-specific. Lapsed anglers need to take accountability for finding fishing buddies. I suggest they join a local fishing club, Facebook group/groups, or message board. If none exist, start one. How people choose to spend their free time is up to them.
- Safety while fishing solo is of equal concern for men and women, lapsed angler or not. Use the brain you were given to minimize the risk. Whether or not you assume the risk to go catch some fish is up to you as an individual. The world can become a dangerous place in the blink of an eye; that is reality.
- To the 40% of women who want a woman's fishing club to help them fish more often but don't have one. Have they even looked for one? What is preventing them from starting their own? Take accountability
Barrier #4 Boat Struggles
- Who isn't turned off by a disgusting floating outhouse or porta-potty? Woman up or don't go.
- 25% of women wish... Are you serious? I wish I had a wish-granting genie. My departed Grandma Maas used to say, "if wishes were horses, beggars would ride." As for the specific concerns addressed in the two wishes. If you are physically unable to handle your equipment, find someone who is, or don't go fishing. Accountability. As far as boating safety courses, aren't they already offered? And why would they need to be women-specific? Have you tried Youtube or Googling the subject? Take Accountability
