![]() The article also probes the reasons behind the vehement (and often misinformed) public reaction to this case. This article picks up where the Iowa Supreme Court left off, exploring the complicated reasons behind this employee’s failure to win her case, and suggesting alternate theories under which a similarly-situated employee successfully could challenge this type of termination. In story after story, reporters, academics and pundits framed this decision as one involving an “irresistible woman” and a man’s “uncontrollable lust.” Yet while such characterizations made for catchy headlines, they were not quite true: The court’s decision did not hinge upon outmoded stereotypes regarding gender roles, but rather contained a plausible factual and legal basis for denying the plaintiff’s claim. As one might expect, uproar ensued, with the media, the public, and the academic community eviscerating the court for its failure to recognize and rectify gender discrimination. To the great surprise of many who followed this case, the Iowa Supreme Court sided with the employer, declining to find him liable for gender discrimination. But in a recent case before the Iowa Supreme Court, a gender discrimination plaintiff alleged a sort of “reverse-lookism,” claiming that her male employer terminated her long-term employment because the employee was too physically attractive, thus tempting the employer to think about entering into an extramarital affair. As for the merits of the case against Netflix, we have only heard one side of the story in Gaprindashvili’s complaint. Nonetheless, it seems Netflix’s error regarding Gaprindashvili is made even more egregious by the fact that the whole point of the series was to highlight the skills of a successful fictional woman in the male-dominated sport of chess. As summed up in the complaint, “In a story that was supposed to inspire women by showing a young woman competing with men at the highest levels of world chess, Netflix humiliated one real woman trailblazer who had actually faced and defeated men on the world stage in the same era.Much has been written about “lookism” – the preferential treatment given to those who conform to societal standards of beauty. ![]() For example, reiterating, “As Jane just mentioned…” or “Consistent with Jane’s suggestion” makes it more difficult for others to take credit for Jane’s idea. Having more women at the top levels of management also helps to quash gender sidelining at work.ĭespite the fact that sidelining can be an issue for women at work, many individual instances of sidelining are not egregious enough to be actionable under the law. So, what should a woman do if confronted with sidelining in the workplace? Fink recommends calling it out. Since sidelining can be subtle, she says, “the first step in countering sidelining is raising awareness.” She suggests implementing a strategy employed by Obama’s female staffers called amplification. Female colleagues in meetings can make an effort to repeat or amplify each other’s ideas, emphasizing credit to the original female speaker. (“The Queen’s Gambit” was viewed in more than 62 million households in its first month alone.) Gaprindashvili is still participating in chess-related events, and as a result of this slight, she could lose some of these opportunities. In addition, Fink points out, “if we erase some of her achievements, then she may lose some of the expertise and esteem that she otherwise would garner within her field.” Although only one line in the Netflix series referenced Gaprindashvili, it was heard by millions. The Netflix slight could also have some direct ramifications for Gaprindashvili’s continuing chess career. ![]() Women who repeatedly are praised and recognized in the workplace will be motivated to try even harder, while women who feel overlooked and ignored may see their drive and ambition diminish,” Fink describes. Other female chess players who witness the slight against Gaprindashvili may get discouraged and think it’s not worth trying because they believe their achievements may be similarly discounted or overlooked. “The extent to which women’s efforts and accomplishments are (or are not) recognized in the workplace can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, either reinforcing achievement or worthlessness. Gaprindashvili’s complaint argues that Netflix characterized the comment about her as “innocuous.” “These sorts of sidelining incidents are not innocuous at all,” Fink says, and she points out the many potential ramifications. For example, research suggests recognition for accomplishments is a big motivator.
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