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Thought-provoking article about sexism

(3 Posts)
whenim64 Sat 17-Aug-13 08:15:56

This article has been shared on Facebook. It's an issue I often discuss, most recently with one of my sons, who thinks the balance is tipping in favour of women in the workplace (NHS). He doesn't notice the subtle giveaways in his home life, like his control of the TV remote or decisions made about leisure time with friends. We agreed to disagree, but we both know we'll discuss it ad infinitum. The comments that follow make an interesting debate. I continue to believe that most men will exploit the imbalance, no matter how much they talk about equality.

www.newstatesman.com/2013/08/laurie-penny/men-sexism

Greatnan Sat 17-Aug-13 08:52:15

What an excellent article. I am heartened by the changes I see in the men my daughter and grand-daughters have chosen as partners. All of them share the chores, not as if they are doing their women a favour, but just in simple justice.
My grandsons have been brought up to treat women simply as other human beings, neither innately inferior or superior. I think some mothers do their own sex a great injustice by allowing their sons to avoid any chores, even cleaning up behind themselves. These mummy's boys must get a shock when they find that their wives are not prepared to mollycoddle them.
We are often told that we have to respect other cultures - well, I don't respect any culture that does not treat women as equals of men. Maybe a large number of men in some cultures do not like the way their womenfolk are treated, but it appears not enough of them are prepared to do anything to change it.
It would be a start if all the major religions stopped banning women from holding office.

petallus Sat 17-Aug-13 09:10:45

Yes, very true. Goes much deeper than men doing the chores, of course. They would have to do something positive to change the deep structures in society which favour men.

Similar principle in the case of class. The middle classes benefit at the expense of the lower classes because of the way society is structured. I wonder how many would be prepared to work for changes which would actually disadvantage themselves and their children though.