I have a rule of thumb that allows me to judge - when time is pressing and one needs to make a snap judgment - whether some sexist bullshit is afoot. Obviously it is not 100 percent infallible but, by and large, it definitely points you in the right direction. And it's asking this question: Are the men doing it? Are the men worrying about this as well? Is this taking up the men's time? Are the men told not to do this, as it's 'letting our side down?' Are the men having to write bloody books about this exasperating, time - wasting bullshit? Is this making Jon Stewart feel insecure?
[In this quote, the author presents a practical heuristic for quickly assessing whether a situation involves underlying sexist behaviors or issues. The emphasis on observing men's reactions and their involvement in discussions about such behaviors highlights a broader commentary on gender dynamics and societal priorities. The author provocatively questions whether men care enough about the issues to consider their impact or simply dismiss them, possibly out of discomfort or social pressure. This approach underlines how societal conversations about sexism are often dominated or influenced by male perspectives, and how certain topics are scrutinized or dismissed based on whether they threaten male ego or status. The mention of public figures like Jon Stewart adds a layer of satire, pointing to how even prominent male figures may feel insecure or challenged by discussions on sexism. Overall, this quote prompts us to reflect critically on societal patterns—who is arguing, who is dismissing, and what those reactions reveal about underlying gender politics. It also subtly critiques the tendency to dismiss issues labeled as 'women's problems' unless men are directly involved, and encourages vigilance in recognizing when societal biases are at play. The rule of thumb serves as a reminder to stay alert to disproportionate gender biases and to question the underlying motivations behind dismissive behaviors or comments about sexism, especially in high-pressure situations where quick judgments are necessary.
