I am my own worst contradiction.

I feel like I have some explaining to do. To myself, my readers, the press, etc.

Today I was asked, "Isn't working in a field where you know you are directly benefiting because of your age and sex a contradiction to all which you stand against?" I paraphrase. For clarification, I strongly stand against those who feel that they are deserving of unparalleled treatment due to arbitrary classifications such as appearance, age, sex, etc.

Backstory. I was thought of for the position I hold as outside sales representative in a male-dominated field because of my appearance. Namely young, female and attractive. I continue to hold my coveted position, not only because of those qualities, but also because of my ability to produce revenue for the company and generate leads thereof. I directly benefit from my appearance in this situation.

More backstory. I have frequented many a place of social interaction with "those" individuals that feel that simply being born with Y chromosome, consequently resulting in a vagina, entitles them to priviledges not relinquished upon all patrons. Such as, not waiting in line, not paying a cover charge, not paying for drinks, etc. These advantages are not only expected because of their gender identification, but also because of a physical appearance which can only be agreed upon as "above average."

With that, am I acting in a contradictory fashion by consciously accepting a position, knowing that it is to my advantage, while maintaining a strong opposition to those who seek gain through irrelevant classifications?

In my opinion, no. If it is to my advantage to maintain an attractive, professional appearance to maximize my financial gain and upward mobility, than by gone it, I'm going to do it. I believe those that are "expecting" of advantageous treatment, based on arbitrary standards, to be on a more shallow level, than those who consequently benefit in a field based on those same arbitrary standards.

Furthermore, a word to the entire male cohort. Do not purchase drinks for "those" girls. The females who can smell an open bar tab from a mile away. The ones that will manipulate you into buying them a drink and their friend a drink. I despise these women. They give women a bad name and I attempt to separate, segregate, ostracize myself from them, as much as possible. I do not carry these women as my friends. I think that to knowingly accept an offer for conversation through the trade of a beverage is nothing short of anti-feminist.

Am I saying that I turn down drinks unless I am absolutely interested in the person providing the beverage? Absolutely not. I didn't earn the name "Wanton Hussy" by rejecting advances, now did I? But most men are smarter than that. Most men can smell if a girl is using them for their drinks, or if she is really interested, or if he is going to receive some form of sexual stimulation from the larger bar tab. Fortunately, I don't get those sex-crazed, drooling, gel-wearing, wolves of men coming my way too often. Maybe it's because I am too busy buying my own drinks to look desperate enough for someone to buy my attention. Nonetheless, I have had some more than decent, polite, conversation bearing men offer to purchase my beverage in exchange for a brief, delightful, often fleeting conversation. To those I graciously give my thanks, my number, sometimes a kiss.

You know what they say. "When in Rome, act as a Hussy."