Lipstick on a Pig

I agree with the Obama campaign that the McCain campaign made a mountain out of a molehill–really a mountain out of nothing–by taking the position that when Obama used the phrase “lipstick on a pig,” he was being sexist.  It’s a good reminder, however, of how language can be turned inside out in the workplace just like it can in a political campaign.

Think about words or phrases that are said in workplaces, ususally in a joking or innocent manner, but words or phrases that will be used against you if a gender discrimination claim is filed.  Sweetie.  Cutie.  Good-looking.  Bitchin’.  “You look like a horse that’s been rode hard and put up wet.”

Most people say they’re a bit sick of political correctness, but the fact is that language can come back to haunt you.  The main thing that caused Obama a problem was timing.  He used the lipstick on a pig phrase not too long after Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech in which she referred to herself as a hockey mom and then joked about the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is the lipstick.  Maybe it would have been better to say, “You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.”  But I guess using the word “purse” could be taken to mean that you’re talking about a female.

Timing can also get you in trouble at work.  Calling one of your female co-workers “sweetie” shortly after she’s complained about not being treated with the same respect men are treated would be problematic.  Of course, you might not know about her claim.  Won’t matter.  Your “sweetie” follow-up will be used against the company and you.  Obama was clearly not guilty of sex discrimination or sexism when he made the lipstick on a pig comment.  But he sure did have to spend a lot of time explaining, defending, etc.  I’ll bet he wouldn’t say it if he had it to do over.  You, too, need to think twice about the language you use.