"Reverse Sexism"

[redqueen]

http://mendaredo.com/tag/slur/

A few days ago, a man I know leveled an allegation at a woman of "reverse sexism." It was within the context of him alleged that referring to men as "guys" or "boys" was derogatory, infantilizing, and thus, "reverse sexism."

I feel like talking about sexism, and "reverse sexism" deserves a post of its own. Let me begin by saying that generally speaking, there is no such thing as "reverse sexism." There just isn't. When one uses the word "sexism," you're not just referring to say, a derogatory term for a woman (e.g. "slut&quot , but rather, sexism exists at a macro level. It describes a system that privileges men (and specific kinds of men) over and at the expense of women (all women generally, while privileging some women over others). A remark or action that we call "sexist" is sexist because it exists within that larger context. If you call me, a man, some slur, let's say "bastard," that's not "reverse sexism" or anything of the sort, because it's not a manifestation of a larger system that is working against me based on my sex.

And of course, as has often been noted, the worst slurs against men are ones that attack their masculinity, and thus their privilege within that system. Calling a man a woman (not a man), or gay (not a man within the traditional system) are the worst things you can usually call a man and aren't "reverse sexism."

...

Of course 'dick', 'prick', 'knob', etc. are insulting, however as any thinking person knows, the amount of sex-specific insults are far from evenly distributed... and when you consider the patriarchy... it seems clear why there aren't as many men who feel offended or upset by these terms.


And then there is this sort of "reverse sexism":
http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Reverse_sexism
http://thegenderblenderblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/another-101-fact-there-is-no-such-thing-as-reverse-sexism/

[ismnotwasm]

1. Another thing I hear about

Is that 'men have lost their way'

In other words, as we (in a painfully slow manner)move toward a more egalitarian society, men suffer from loss of role, are uncertain of their place; of what is expected. I was talking to a friend about this. She said she "kinda felt sorry for men" and their struggles.

I don't.

In order for the world to change, those that oppress and objectify have to change along with it. Or change first. In the case of white heterosexual men, there is no revolution for them, no marches, no ethical ground to stand on. Only painful self reflection.(And MRA's if one is determined to look elsewhere for fault)

So no, there is no 'reverse sexism' calling a man a 'prick' isn't the same as calling a woman a 'cunt' calling a man a 'pussy' is a bigger insult than any one involving male genitalia. Calling men 'dogs' isn't the same as calling women 'bitches'

I was looking at GQ magazine I think it was. It listed the '50 most powerful people on Washington' the overwhelming majority were male, and of the few females, one was actually a trio of women, who apparently set up events. Übercaterers.

Figures.

As women catch up and pass men in college, as they break glass ceilings, as they prove the ability to provide for hearth and home without a stripper pole, as they speak up in government, on committees, as they get tenure in areas women educators historically never got tenured in, as the medical field brings in half of graduating medical students into residency as women, or more, as we begin to understand the plight of women in countries where misogyny and oppression are legal, and the battles of our sisters in those places----as the world changes in other words. I have no sympathy for whining about 'reverse sexism'. There is plenty of the real kind to fight against, and plenty of work yet to do.

[redqueen]

2. Feeling sorry for men...

what a crock.

These are grown-ass people. What is there to feel sorry about? That they have to end the cult of masculinity? That's a good thing!