Reply #257: yes, I absolutely agree. Sexism is so pernicious.

[FizzFuzz]

And the link with sexuality and titillation doesn't help clarify things.

"It happens everywhere, it is so ingrained, it is so universal in our society, it is below and above the surface in all assumptions, "thinking" patterns, etc."--it is defended in ways that other isms are not. Sexists love their sexism and don't want to give it up.

Interestingly, ageism and looksism are inextricably tied to sexim as well, at least it seems so from my observations. The media illustrate this well; old, plain or homely looking men are celebrated. Old or homely or even average looking women DON'T EXIST! (Except as contestants on "The Swan" Programming for women is so insulting I can't even find words to convey what I think)

Sure are alot of interesting threads on sexism and Paternalism lately.