Do you believe that the majority of men still harbor sexist beliefs?

Question

This is based on a discussion I've had with a ggroup of friends recently. What are your experiences with this?

I guess this was kind of a loaded question, huh. I should have phrased it differently.
Let me give you some background on the discussion.

It was a mixed sex group of friends. Among them, I'm known to be very big in gender equality. Then it was pointed out to me, by my fiancee, that I still have a very old-fashioned view in some ways, towards women. I believe they can, and should have equal rights/pay/etc. But I still have this insanely protective streak in me. Not that I'm overbearing about it . . . but I'm there, watching, "just in case" . . .

Another friend added that, in essense, without realizing it, I'm saying that women need a man to protect them. It kind of surprised me that it was taken that way, but I can see how it was done so.

That last friend was a man, BTW. Not that it matters, but for context.

Answer 1

Certainly. Most people have discriminative beliefs about many people, not just women. It's so bad that many people already have their mind made up about you just on sheer appearance.

Answer 2

I think it's perfectly fine for a man to want to protect his gf. It really is something that men have been doing for centuries, now, so it can't be shaken off like that! It's a GOOD character trait, I think! I don't see how it could be interpreted as sexist!

I mean, if you're not over-protective, it's fine! And it's normal to be worried about the other one. We do it as well, and no one says we should change something about it. If you love someone, you don't want anything to happen to that person. Since men are usually stronger than women, I think it's normal that they want to protect them!

Sometimes, people should forget about the theory, and just use a bit of common sense!

Answer 3

I'd say that many women and men harbor sexist beliefs, if you want to encompass not just young Americans, but also middle-aged and older Americans, as well as people world-wide. Other than the right to vote, not much progress had been made for gender equality until the 1970's in the US. That's just a generation or two that have even been made aware of the idea of equality! If you add the backlash and redefinition of feminism by the religious conservative right as being man-hating lesbians, it's amazing the amount of progress that has been made! World-wide, other than in Europe, the steps towards gender equality is in it's infancy.

You sound like a great guy, like my partner. Just like I have to work every day at trying to rework all the racist crud I"ve been exposed to, I need to rethink regularly what I assume about gender, sexual orientation, ethnic background...we can only try out best!

Answer 4

Of COURSE we do!

Both sexes know there are differences between the sexes, but we are supposed to pretend otherwise when it is politically or socially correct to do so.

Men are still basically in the Neanderthal Hunter mindset, while women still show every sign of being in the Nurturer/Gatherer mind.

We are big, hairy (usually) muscular creatures that really think that women want some protection- DESERVE some protection, that there are things that are the 'man's job' and the 'woman's job' (although this usually does not apply so much to career roles as to familial or social roles).

We are pretty sure women in general do not agree with us on issues like sex, housekeeping standards, beer, what makes a really good movie, the greatness of physical humor, and other stuff.

For that matter- just saying the things like this is, in itself, sexist and revels a sexist attitude.

Answer 5

I do believe that most men still harbor sexist beliefs taught to them through culture, peers and role models, but as a woman and a bit of a sexist myself, I really don't have a problem with it. I have long ago realized the benefits associated with being a woman as well as the pit falls. For example, if I board a bus and don't have enough for the fare, I'll smile at the driver and distract him with flirtation. Of course that wont work if it's a woman. then there's also the fact that a lot of men don't like assertive women and will condescend to her and patronize before labeling her a b*tch. Lastly, I have to say that if you feeling the urge to be protective in regard to women is your only sexist trait, then I'd say you're a winner.

Answer 6

I think our perception of people and the way we treat anyone is influenced by the culture we grew up in, the ideas that we surround ourselves with (i.e. books we read, TV we watch,etc.) and the past experience that we have with others.

I think that it is impossible to totally do away with "sexist beliefs" because the one thing you will never change is your gender so you will never really ever fully appreciate the opposite gender. Also, when push comes to shove - men and women are simply different (and thank God for that!).

We should not descriminate against the opposite gender but we are never going to be 100% equal either. Men are never going to have babies and women are never going to shave their chins. We are built differently, plain and simple.

Answer 7

I think it's true for both men and women. It's genetic. It's like everything goes back to the cave man days. It's just the way we are. We may not act like it but deep down we both have sexist beliefs. I don't think there is anything wrong with it, just have to find that balance.

Answer 8

Yes. Everyone holds sexist beliefs, including women. Personally, I believe certain things about men that may be sexist. It's natural because a person usually believes their sex is the better. It's not natural to have spouse abuse, rape, and murder in someones mind. My brother-in-law asks my sister to clean cook etc. (partially because he can't) and he was raised in that atmosphere. My sister feels the advantage because she works around the house and is a RN. She said that she likes it that way. He does anything else she tells him to do. Those are both sexist beliefs, but are not harmful.

Answer 9

It's pretty unconscious in some, but yes.
I find that my brains don't get nearly the attention from men, especially foreign-born men, that tey do with women who are likewise interested in intellectual conversation.
Trying to enter or remain involved in a conversation-
oh, even about poker with the regular guys,
is about impossible.
And if a man suggests something to a man or woman, it will get some decent reception. A woman to woman? She may find agreement. But a woman giving advice to a man is like a woman that is spurned vehemntly, but is later quoted from five years later, with a man taking all of the crediT!

Answer 10

I think nowadays men are more intelligent than before, but still, some feel invaded when women get good positions or work with or above them.

Answer 11

definitely. Majority of men still think we are the superior sex on earth. for centuries it has been a mentality and impacted that weve been of higher power to the opposite sex.

I had an experience with this with my employer, during the initial testing of competency, he unfairly eliminated all women because of he thinks they couldnt efficiently do the job due to pressure that the job demands . we were applying for a department manager position.