Two Years In The Oil Sands By Katie Beaton

In her memoir, “Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands,” written by Katie Beaton, she describes her journey working in the oil sands industry. This book illustrates how workplace dynamics can harm individuals’ perception of their environment. Inequality between men and women is a recurring theme throughout the narrative. The main concerns stressed in the text are the unsafe working conditions for women, the language used towards them, the objectification of women, and the stereotyping based on gender roles. Sexism is rooted in patriarchal societies where men held authority over women, which led to an imbalance of privilege. In most places, sexism is still prevalent and continues to shape workplace dynamics today. Inequality exists in many forms,

Many women face different types of objectification, particularly due to their vulnerability in this industry, partly due to the fact that they are outnumbered. Sexual assault causes emotional repercussions for the victims. In the oil sands, Katie Beaton outlines two cases where she experienced sexual abuse. When she tells her male friends she was sexually assaulted, they dismiss her claims, saying “You were loaded, that’s not the same thing. That’s regret” (Beaton 205). This leads her to believe it is her fault because she was under the influence of alcohol and could have prevented it if she were in the right mind frame. Because of the common nature of this type of abuse, men often downplay the severity. Women are therefore manipulated into believing that they could have done more to prevent these incidents. Beaton’s narrative further conveys the difficulties in expressing boundaries and refusing unwelcome approaches. When Katie Beaton tells Lindsey about the incident, she says to her “I wasn’t scared of him”. I was scared of everyone else. He was leaving the house. If I could just endure it, he’d be gone” (Beaton 381). This quote signifies how difficult it is for women to say no. She was weighing her options. What would be easier, giving her body away, or having to endure the mens dismissive remarks? Ultimately, she chose to do the former as in her mind, that outweighed the latter. Although she sees this decision as logical, from an outside perspective it is troubling. Her way of viewing the situation may be influenced by the male-dominated environment. Though her choice was valid given the circumstances, she should have never been put in a position where she needed to choose. This is a fundamental example of how sexism changes your perspective, and can be mentally