Editors, the Gauntlet,
Re: "Sexism still runs rampant," March 1, 2001
My first comment is that of course sexism runs rampant in our society still. People are of different sexes; both have desirable and not so desirable qualities. Not too many women like being called butch, just like not too many men like being called pussies. I think the distinction should be made that such comments are intended to hurt, as kids are cruel. People do not commonly think of women being lesser human beings, just physically weaker and more sensitive, and that’s not a bad thing. What is bad is that people will try and cut each other down by saying they are not representing their gender. If I say that I like shopping, other guys will think I’m some sort of pansy. If a girl likes to fix cars, then she’s not being lady-like. The knife cuts both ways, and is wielded often–not just against women.
The solution is to make people treat each other better, but then how can we do that? I’d be lying if I didn’t say that sometimes I find other people’s misery amusing, for a variety of reasons. I don’t think that’s a good trait I have, but I acknowledge that it is there. I try not to be sexist, but sometimes I am.
I’m sure most people can relate. I think it would be great to see that kind of behaviour become taboo, but people seem to need an outlet for anger. Such is the world…