His & Hers: Designing for a Post-Gender Society
In our society today, many civil right groups like blacks and women have fought hard to get to the equality that they have today. However, there still is a certain group of people fighting for their rights throughout America. This group is known as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender). A piece of this fight can be seen in Suzanne Tick’s article, “His & Hers: Designing for a Post- Gender”, as she discusses how there needs to be more gender-neutral designs and bathrooms in the workplaces. In the article, she explains how to make this possible by discussing the past gender roles, how gender is perceived in the present, and changes that should be made in the workforce to make it into a better environment.
As the article begins, Tick explains that a gender revolution is upon us and there is time for a change. Back in the 1900s and early 2000s, no one really had the freedom to express their sexuality because they knew that they would get ridiculed for it. In the past, there has been many traditional roles between men and women. The work office demonstrates this as Tick says, “Historically, men have occupied power roles in offices, so male necessities dictated the design of prime spaces, while female secretaries occupied ancillary areas” (Tick). This is only going to continue to be the same as most top companies have majority male workers.
Now in the present day, according to Tick, “People are also craving more softness in interiors, with the open plan, the influence of hospitality, and an emphasis of tactile…” (Tick). Many CEO and businesses know that they have to make changes in the workforce to accommodate to the gender revolution. More women are in the workforce and people are coming out about their sexualities. With a more vibrant working environment, more work can be done. The article explains that now would be the time for many designers to change their styles to more neutral.
After Tick’s discussion on changes in the workforce, she begins to mention how changes need to made for public restrooms as well. With their being transgenders (or and other type of sexuality where people look the opposite sex), Tick is calling for more unisex or gender-neutral bathrooms. Some companies like Google have already incorporated it and it works just fine for their employees. It makes people with all types of sexualities be more comfortable and not have to stress on which restroom they should use.
With this gender revolution, many things in our society needs to be changed. America is about freedom and respecting others so that we can live as a civilized country. We as citizens of this country should try to accommodate each other with our issues so that we all can be comfortable in this country. Tick expressed many great opinions that should be heard around the world. Maybe one day, good things will happen to change people’s perceptive on this community along with many other minority groups as well.
Work Cited:
Tick, Suzanne “His & Hers: Designing for a Post-Gender Society” http://www.metropolismag.com/March-2015/His-or-Hers-Designing-for-a-Post-Gender-Society/
Picture: http://www.flaticon.com/free-icon/unisex-symbol_10002