# What is Sexism? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [April 16, 2013, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853 "2013-04-16T18:06:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/221 "2013-04-19T01:16:08Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Says the person who thinks there’s nothing offensive or morally wrong or just freakin’ creepy about secretly filming women who he has sex with so they don’t falsely accuse you of rape, of course. > > You musta been working mighty damn hard that day. > > [Link](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=593029) > > You gotta start from the beginning but it gets “good” after post 20 and post 90 is just…um…it explains Der Trihs’s position on the sexism issue here nicely. And what do you think about the different definitions of “sexism” given so far? ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/222 "2013-04-19T01:50:28Z")
While I agree with a lot of the points posted by the female dopers, I don’t think we can have a rule that isn’t universal. A rule in which a comment directed at a woman would be sexist, and we have rule against that, but if directed at a man would be gender discrimination, and a darn shame, but we don’t have a rule against that, is not a workable solution, IMHO. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/223 "2013-04-19T01:53:44Z")
Good thing nobody has suggested that. They’re just asking that don’t be a jerk also apply to blatantly misogynist comments as well. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/224 "2013-04-19T02:41:58Z")
You meant blatantly misogynist/andrist comments, I’m sure. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/225 "2013-04-19T02:45:32Z")
No, we have specifically been discussing the culture of misogyny that has been allowed to go unmoderated for a long time, and the fact that it makes a lot of female posters uncomfortable. Feel free to read any of the related threads to catch up. If obviously jerkish comments are being made at the expense of men, those should be moderated as well. But that’s not exactly what the topic of discussion has been, and so far nobody has demonstrated that is a recurring problem here. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/226 "2013-04-19T03:27:19Z")
Well, first, I _have_ been reading all the threads, second, the title of _this_ thread is **what is _sexism_?**. Since you’re on record as saying sexism can only be applied to women, it seemed reasonable to offer my opinion that a gender specific rule would be unworkable. I was under the impression that **Czarcasm** was soliciting opinions. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/227 "2013-04-19T03:53:11Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > And what do you think about the different definitions of “sexism” given so far? What do _I_ think about them? I think the definitions posted have given far more dignity to and are far more straightforward than the series of endless, obviously agenda-driven, disingenuous series of questions deserves. Ladyfoxfyre is far, FAR too generous with her time. That said, the various definitions responding to the flip-flopping questions (academic definition vs ‘suitable for moderation’ definition and then back again) have been clear and well written. So, since I’ve answered your question, here’s one or two of mine: How do you feel about men secretly filming women they have sex with without their knowledge or consent to stop false accusations of rape since men are so oppressed by sexist women, per Der Trihs? Since you’re so very concerned about anti-male sexism, would you find that a dislike of men secretly filming women to protect themselves from them is, as he would suggest, an example of anti-male sexism? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/228 "2013-04-19T03:55:03Z")
> [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > No, we have specifically been discussing the culture of misogyny that has been allowed to go unmoderated for a long time, and the fact that it makes a lot of female posters uncomfortable. > Feel free to read any of the related threads to catch up. > > If obviously jerkish comments are being made at the expense of men, those should be moderated as well. But that’s not exactly what the topic of discussion has been, and so far nobody has demonstrated that is a recurring problem here. I’m sorry, but _this_ thread is about sexism in general, not the culture of misogyny in particular, and whether or not it is possible for there to be sexism against men can certainly be discussed here, in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/229 "2013-04-19T03:57:11Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > What do _I_ think about them? I think the definitions posted have given far more dignity to and are far more straightforward than the series of endless, obviously agenda-driven, disingenuous series of questions deserves. Ladyfoxfyre is far, FAR too generous with her time. > > That said, the various definitions responding to the flip-flopping questions (academic definition vs ‘suitable for moderation’ definition and then back again) have been clear and well written. > > So, since I’ve answered your question, here’s one or two of mine: > > How do you feel about men secretly filming women they have sex with without their knowledge or consent to stop false accusations of rape since men are so oppressed by sexist women, per Der Trihs? > > Since you’re so very concerned about anti-male sexism, would you find that a dislike of men secretly filming women to protect themselves from them is, as he would suggest, an example of anti-male sexism? This is not a Pit thread about Der Trihs. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/230 "2013-04-19T04:00:39Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > What do _I_ think about them? I think the definitions posted have given far more dignity to and are far more straightforward than the series of endless, obviously agenda-driven, disingenuous series of questions deserves. Ladyfoxfyre is far, FAR too generous with her time. Which definition are you supporting: The one given by **XT** , or the one given by **Ladyfoxfyre**? ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/231 "2013-04-19T04:10:33Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I think that sexist posts have become a problem on this board and should be dealt with by the moderators as they reported. Sexism against female posters especially is an ongoing problem that should be focused on. I don’t have a problem with this agenda. I don’t have a problem with Czarcasm’s questions. In fact, I think they’re helpful and he has adequately addressed the issue of disingenuous etc. I don’t have a problem because I understand that setting moderator policy is _hard_. Doubly so when bound by a loaded word such as sexism. Triply so when you try to tack on a problematic but not discredited notion of institutional sexism while implying that power is distributed homogeneously in a democratic society. > [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > They’re just asking that don’t be a jerk also apply to blatantly misogynist comments as well. I’m pretty much behind this though. The only tricky part is distinguishing between substantively argued offensive ideas (which are allowed) and backhanded jerkery. (Not that hard really.) And misogyny is a variety of hate speech, something which is understood reasonably well. That said, I’m not claiming that curbing misogynistic jerkery (defined narrowly in this sentence) will solve all the concerns expressed. > [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > If obviously jerkish comments are being made at the expense of men, those should be moderated as well. But that’s not exactly what the topic of discussion has been, and so far _nobody has demonstrated that is a recurring problem here._ Emphasis added. I think it’s entirely reasonable not to focus or crack down on F on M sexism if it is indeed a rather mild problem here (which it is IMHO). ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/232 "2013-04-19T04:11:44Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I’m sorry, but _this_ thread is about sexism in general, not the culture of misogyny in particular, and whether or not it is possible for there to be sexism against men can certainly be discussed here, in my opinion. I thought this thread was _specifically_ about the definition of sexism as it related to the moderation on this board. Oh, whoops! I see I’m on the wrong side of what you’re stating we discuss again! My mistake! Again! :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/233 "2013-04-19T04:20:37Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > This is not a Pit thread about Der Trihs. Nice dodge, but Trihs has his own definitions about sexism and given that you and he both seem to agree that men are horribly persecuted by female sexists, perhaps you could answer the question. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/234 "2013-04-19T04:27:46Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Nice dodge, but Trihs has his own definitions about sexism and given that you and he both seem to agree that men are horribly persecuted by female sexists, perhaps you could answer the question. 1. I’m not going to discuss **Der Trihs** with you in this thread. 2. Where have I said anything close to “men are horribly persecuted by female sexists”? ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/235 "2013-04-19T04:32:33Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Which definition are you supporting: The one given by **XT** , or the one given by **Ladyfoxfyre**? In regards to what? The word “star” can be defined in the “Movie star” sense or the “stellar object” sense and both definitions can be accurate depending on the question asked. In your case, you keep changing your question, so there’s really no one answer. [ul] [li]Which definition is the most useful for modding the SDMB? You’ve asked that. [/li][li]Which definition can be best backed up by academic research? You’ve asked that. [/li][li]Which definition is a good legal definition? I don’t think you’ve asked that yet, but given time, I’m sure you will. [/li][li]Which definition best encapsulates every nuance of the word “Sexism” in general? You’ve asked that. [/li][li]Which definition will give you and Der Trihs protection from the horrible, ongoing problem on the SDMB of female on male sexism? It seems that this is the subtext you’ve been not-very-subtly driving at. [/li][/ul] So…you first. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/236 "2013-04-19T04:34:11Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > 1. I’m not going to discuss **Der Trihs** with you in this thread. > 2. Where have I said anything close to “men are horribly persecuted by female sexists”? 1. So you refuse to answer the question about Der Trihs’s definition but you’d like me to answer the question about LadyF’s and FX’s definition? 2. Your thread is my cite. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/237 "2013-04-19T04:48:05Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > I think it’s entirely reasonable not to focus or crack down on F on M sexism if it is indeed a rather mild problem here (which it is IMHO). I think you are right that it is rare and mild problem, for the most part. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/238 "2013-04-19T05:02:28Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Which definition will give you and Der Trihs protection from the horrible, ongoing problem on the SDMB of female on male sexism? It seems that this is the subtext you’ve been not-very-subtly driving at. Why should I care if the sexism is female on male or male on male or any other combination? ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/239 "2013-04-19T05:50:37Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I’m sorry, but _this_ thread is about sexism in general, not the culture of misogyny in particular, and whether or not it is possible for there to be sexism against men can certainly be discussed here, in my opinion. Keep moving those goal posts. ---
**Author:** ![Beastly\_Rotter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/45deac/32.png) [@Beastly\_Rotter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beastly_Rotter)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2013, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-sexism/655853/240 "2013-04-19T06:02:06Z")
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