Essay 1392

To complement the coverage of racial incidents in the Los Angeles Fire Department, The Los Angeles Times published a story on the trials and tribulations of female firefighters. From male coworkers climbing into their beds to urine-filled mouthwash bottles, the women face plenty of harassment. “Almost every female firefighter on the LAFD has suffered unwanted touching, leering or derogatory comments,” argues one woman. “A dildo was put in a women’s locker, a female firefighter was told to sleep in a closet, and women have often been referred to as ‘bitches.’” The dog food scenario suddenly sounds downright tame. Click on the essay title above to read the full story.