In class before winter break, we talked about a symbol that represents U.S.A. - the average American worker. When we were told to picture an average American worker, the majority of the class came up with the image of a male laborer (mailman, policeman, firefighter). Why all physical laborers? And the better question, why all men? I think it has to do with what we see and hear from the media while growing up. We obviously know there are other jobs out there and we obviously know women work, but as a child we aren't taught that there are jobs like stock brokers or accountants. We're only used to seeing the "male laborer" job. I remember reading a book when I was younger about jobs. Of course it had the big colorful pictures of firefighters, policemen, and even milkmen. I can only remember there being one woman in the book: the stereotypical teacher. So, yeah, we do know what kind of jobs there are besides the laborers, that include both men and women. But I think it's just that we've still got that male laborer image stuck in our heads from when we were little.
I actually pictured someone different for the average American worker. I had the "businessman" image in my head. It was a man, yet not a physical laborer. I think it's, again, because of the media. I've watched so many movies and T.V. shows that depict the man that goes to the office every day with his briefcase and coffee (like The Office, although not as comical). The media clearly plays a huge role in our lives.
What was your "average American worker"?
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