What does it exactly mean when someone says
' you are really sexist'
The word 'sexist' means our behaviors are highly stereotyped and biased , we are gendered in our behavior.
There are two types of sexist behavior.
1) hostile sexism - treating women directly in a stereotypical way the society has constructed
eg - women are homemakers and they better stay at home
2) benevolent sexism -it is set of interrelated attitude towards women that are sexist in terms of viewing women stereo typically and in restricted roles. But they appear on a positive feeling tone and also tend to elicit typically pro-social behaviour from women.
eg - women are like delicate flowers ,they should not do difficult tasks , they should not drive on high ways ,
!) In an office situation you r angry with your male colleague and talking to him about his work culture and suddenly he says " you look beautiful baby while shouting too ".It might seem as compliment but it is still sexist .
One may say - why should I get offended ? Isn't it awesome "
I am noticed.I should be thrilled ?
These comments while seemingly complementing still feel wrong because they are positive but unsettling.
In our day to day life old fashioned discrimination still exists rampantly and they have their own sneaking way in suppressing equality
In benevolent sexism good intend is not always a panacea, when males say that they are being chivalrous - they are actually disrespecting and degrading women to subordination.
2)A common example is men opening car door for women. This politeness comes from gender stereotyping norms that say men are strong and women are like delicate flowers.
3) Another example is constantly talking about women's appearance and looks when she is talking about some content ,
ex -If woman is writing her views about any issue on face book instead of focusing on issue others write about her looks
' you are hot baby '
its so uncomfortable and unsettling .
here she is re -situated to her looks then her work .
What is most dangerous about benevolent sexism is that women are re-situated in a traditionally feminine role again and again . this constant shift from humanity to femininity is highly tiring .
What makes it tricky ?
It is hard to spot.
its high time in our so called progressive value system to understand how gender norms are still working behind the facade of benevolent behavior and is a silent killer...
#gender#sexist behaviour#polite #inequality
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