help, I think I'm sexist?

Question

So I know that sexism is bad. I'm definitely NOT inclined to physically or verbally abuse women (or anyone for that matter). But I can't help feeling that the smartest and most honest people I've met are men. This is not me expressing repressed homosexuality or something. It's just when I think of the best people I've known, its only men that come to mind.
I realize that women may have been oppressed by the culture or whatever, so their minds or characters may have not developed in ideal circumstances. But that kinda assumes that women fall short of men. (not all women, but just women in general.) Actually, I think the worst people I've known are also men. But as I rule I'd be more inclined to trust a guy's mind or his character rather than a woman's. Am I totally evil or crazy or what?

Answer 1

No, you're just more comfortable talking to men. Not a problem. What age women do you try to talk to? That will make a difference, too. As a female myself, I have to say that most females from 16-25 are a bit controlling and opinionated, and many of them continue to be that way into their 30's. I'm not sure why they continue to be so close-minded. It's sad.

Answer 2

I don't think that you are sexist, especially because you are upset that you might be. But, I think that your beliefs are indeed a little sexist. Maybe you should start thinking what it is about what men say that make you think that they are the smartest most honest people you've ever met. Now, imagine that a woman said those things, would you still feel the same way? I think what may be the problem is that you are a little close minded, and maybe you haven't actually met a woman that sparked your intelligence, and if that's the case, you're not sexist, you just have really high standards. I don't think you should trust someone because they are a man or woman, you should trust someone because their thoughts or their values seem to match yours. I also think you need to focus on the fact that you said some of the worst people you've known have also been men. Hope this helps, and hope you are prepared for the flack that you are going to catch for this! Good luck!

Answer 3

You say that the smartest and most honest people are men. You also say that the worst people you've known are men. Maybe these statements are true simply because you don't pay enough attention to women in general that you see their positive traits. What if your father's behavior/thinking towards women? Did you grow up in a household where your mother was ignored/put down/undermined/undervalued? If so, this could be the reason for your thinking. I believe it would be a good idea for you to surround yourself with a group of smart, talented, successful women - I think your feelings will change. Believe me, it's a pretty mixed bag. There are honest, smart, dishonest and stupid men out there, just as there are women with the same traits. Open your eyes and be honest with yourself and you'll find this to be true.

Answer 4

Well you're a man so you may feel closer to men I guess. If you don't feel sexist then you're not. Those people are honestly the ones you think are the most honest and smartest. Sexism would be if you hate women for no practical reason or if you were to say men were more honest and smart without actually meaning it. ANway you're also saying thw worst you've met are men, why can;t you say the best you;ve met are men also?

Answer 5

I think that there are a lot of women that are smarter than men in a lot of ways. Not that im trying to be sexist myself, but it is true. Its just that women have been supressed by culture and traditions to always feel less than a man. And therefore there are a lot of women out there that don't have the confidence to express there true intelligence because they feel like they are always going to be undermined by the man. And when they do, they are look down upon and scorned. And ive also noticed that with men that its always a competition to see who is smarter or stronger. ANd they will brag and boast about knowing this and acheiving this. Ive also noticed that a man will always try to show that he is smarter than you by giving the 'and did you know that' line before saying something that may or may not be true just to give himself one leg up. But its not that way with women. We talk and specualate and ask "do you think that its true." And as for character, I see a degragation of character in both sides of the sexes do to the changes in society. Its man for himself. And both sexes are guilty in one form of the other of lyng and cheating and stealing. You can't say that one is better than the other because we are different but equally the same.

Answer 6

Sounds as if you have no idea how to choose your women. There are good and bad women and men. You evidently either jump into things way too fast, or you are an awful judge of character.

As for education, there are plenty of well-educated women out there. Maybe you haven't met them, because you are intimidated by their intelligence. Just because they may not have the same interests as you, does not make women inferior to men.

Answer 7

Actually it probably speaks more to the fact that you have had more and closer associations with men than with women. Unless there is some sort of reason that you have chosen to associate with high quality men and low quality women. I can certainly say from my own experience that I have found the opposite from what you have concluded to be true. Maybe you just need to spend more time with women with good minds and character. Look for them.

Answer 8

Hi,

Well I don't think you are totaly crazy and this has nothing to do with being evil or so..
It is best possible that in general from the people you met, the men impressed you more than the woman you met.
But belief me, there are great woman out there, which you can trush and rely on. If I had a choice, I would trush a woman more than a man.

-R.

Answer 9

You're not sexist, you're just forming an opinion based on personal experience and research. The only people who will call you sexist are those who disagree with your conclusion. "How dare you base your conclusions on reality, rather than being sensitive to others' feelings, thereby blindly embracing everyone equally?!"

Mind you, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing. That said, be sure your conclusions are drawn from a broad base. Demographics and occupational field makes a difference. If you're hanging out with sorority girls on the one hand, and urban professional males with Masters degrees on the other, your data is slightly skewed.

Answer 10

You have just been conditioned to see people the way you do. The age group you belong to also weighs heavily on how you view women because younger girls tend to be silly and a little shallow, not to mention plain old mean.

This also may have something to do with the mother/father dynamic you grew up with. How did they act together? Who did you feel closer to? It was probably your father. Try developing better relationships with women and really get to know them. You may be surprised by what you discover.