Dorian
3rd February 2014, 06:31
I am not denying that racism or heterosexism/homophobia are serious problems in our society that must be combatted. But from what I've seen, especially on the internet, it is far more acceptable to make a sexist comment than a racist one or homophobic one. You would rightly be called out for using the N word or making generalizations about black people, for example, but there is not much protest to "get back in the kitchen" jokes. You may get praised for calling yourself an anti-racist or a LGBT rights activist, but call yourself a feminist and people are immediately conjuring up images of the stereotypical fat, ugly, bra-burning chick.
Women have only seen a very gradual change to equality. First came the right to vote, then the right to work, then birth control, then equal pay for equal work. The progression of other subjugated classes has been more rapid. Black people had far less rights than women (being kept as slaves) but made a sudden transition into freedom. Similarly, gay people faced a seemingly overnight shift, where, one day, they could be locked up for their sexuality, and the next day, they couldn't. Women, however, are still fighting for their full rights to this day.
Honestly, I'm not trying to play Oppression Olympics here. I'm really just trying to learn. I'd appreciate your opinions.
Women have only seen a very gradual change to equality. First came the right to vote, then the right to work, then birth control, then equal pay for equal work. The progression of other subjugated classes has been more rapid. Black people had far less rights than women (being kept as slaves) but made a sudden transition into freedom. Similarly, gay people faced a seemingly overnight shift, where, one day, they could be locked up for their sexuality, and the next day, they couldn't. Women, however, are still fighting for their full rights to this day.
Honestly, I'm not trying to play Oppression Olympics here. I'm really just trying to learn. I'd appreciate your opinions.