getting sique

A brief insight into a conversation about sexism over dinner.

• F: That's something that I hadn't really thought about, because I tend to think about sexism and the way that it effects me as a female. I know that it effects men as well, but I didn't know that I was projecting that image onto you.
• M: I think you are, and if I wasn't more confident with who I am, you saying that to the wrong guy, might cause him to be more...
• F: Aggressive?
• M: Maybe, like, "Wow, she really thinks this is hot.. Hey douche bag, why you looking at her?" (swings fist in the air)
• F: Yeah, you're right.
• M: It's a male sexual stereotype, that the man is stronger than the woman, that when there is danger takes care of her and protects her and holds her back and tells her that he can handle it because she can't. And when I behaved that way, you said you found it sexy.
• F: Well that was...
• M: Different? How? We heard a noise in the house, I got up to investigate, making sure that everything was secure. You didn't need me to go check out the house.
• F: That's true, you're right. I'm sorry. I had know idea that I was doing that.
• M: I'm not saying that you are, I'm just trying to point out a possible hypocrisy.
• I think that you started to say, before you stopped yourself and rephrased it, is that you think about sexism, as it relates to you.
• F: Yes, well, that's all that I have to go on. I can't speak for every female, but I tend to identify with women. Although I'm aware that sexism hurts men too, its not something that I often think about.
• ....
• M: I think discussions like this are good. Especially when they change the way you think, or rather they don't change the way you think, they make you think about the way you think.