Throughout history, men were always perceived as the dominant sex. However, many feminists have fought against the social structures that have allowed men to be dominant over women. In today’s society, we are aware of the progress that women have made especially in the “working world.” Years ago, traditionally, women would stay home and take care of the children, cook dinner and clean. Now women have climbed so far up in their careers that we currently see Hillary Clinton running in the 2008 election for president of the United States. However, one field that people have trouble accepting women in is the Fire Department. Should women be able to accompany men in fighting fires? In the past this would not even be a debatable topic nor would women even be considered for this position. The issue has now become very real for women and people have their strong opinions on the subject.
For most, the idea of women and the Fire Department together is not a good mix. An obvious reason is that women are usually smaller and more petite then men. Not saying that women cannot be strong, but it is easier for someone with a bigger body structure to carry out another person from a burning building. For example, if a woman gets up to the 11th floor of a burning building and finds a 6 ft. and 350 lbs person in the middle of the room, they may not be able to save that person if they cannot lift them up and carry them out. With women in the Fire Department, sexual harassment issues arise more often. Also this is an easy way for a woman to get a “name.” The media is cruel and has no shame in saying that women who work in the fire department, around a group of men, must be having relations with at least one of them. Finally, with men used to being the overriding sex it is sometimes hard for them to take orders from women, the same way women may sometimes find it hard to take orders from men. With both sexes clashing it makes it hard to get the job that needs to be done accomplished.
Debating the issue, people defend women quite strongly when it comes to them becoming a member of the fire department. “Knowledge is power.” If a woman possesses unimaginable amounts of knowledge about the career she can definitely contribute in some way, shape or form. Although she may not have as much strength as the men do they are always there to give her a hand, the same way they help each other every now and then. For some men it is comfortable knowing that society today will accept women in all fields. They enjoy the idea of being able to interact and communicate with women at work.
Stepping back and looking at both opinions on the issue I strongly feel that a person’s sex should not even be considered when looking for this job. There are tests you have to take, both physical and mental, to join the Fire Department. If a woman is able to complete the task successfully why would she not be capable for the job? While there may be men who are stronger then women, it is no excuse to not hire a woman. Today there is no superior sex and opportunities are more or less equal. The bottom-line is that if a person is good at what they do, and can successfully and accurately fulfill their career why does their sex even matter?
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