'Sexist' Nobel laureate 'hung out to dry' over comments

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Batman

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#1326205 16-Jun-2015 23:54

I'm not sure, the other day at a queue line there was what looked to be a male foreigner who received no help and was being spoken to rudely by a staff member, who immediately proceeded to smile at and usher a blonde female to the front of a newly opened line and served.

k1wi

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#1326223 17-Jun-2015 05:22

A concern I have is that, in aggregate, the online response could quite easily be considered to be online bullying. I do not consider that one wrong excuses another, even if you believe you have right on your side.

Another concern is the one I consider most important. Given human psychology, I do not believe the online reaction to his 'joke' will do anything to improve sexist behaviour and comments. If anything, it will actually worsen the situation. Those with the most sexist thoughts and beliefs will not become less sexist because of it. Most will consider the outrage to be ridiculous and it will likely reinforce their existing beliefs. After all, it is very difficult to change someone's beliefs by vilifying them, telling them they are bad, wrong and scum, or threatening them. Others who view the response as out of proportion to the comment will simply become less sympathetic to the cause. People will be more inclined to keep their sexist thoughts and beliefs to themselves, but I consider this a dangerous outcome. For those aiming to reduce sexism, it is taking the 'wait until all the sexists die out' approach.

It should be clear then that I don't think the punitive approach is the best approach to reduce sexism. If he hadn't been forced from his position by all the public attention then his university, who as his employer has a duty of care, could have helped him access the resources that would help him be more aware, considerate and thoughtful. Unfortunately, the punitive approach that has been taken is akin to locking up criminals and throwing away the key because they are bad people. We consider that thinking archaic in our prison system.

Ultimately, this does mean that being the most fervently against sexism should not be seen as a badge of honour. Yes we need to identify sexist behaviour when it exists, but they should be treated as opportunities to implore empathy, consideration and thoughtfulness through mutually respectful dialogue. Not public vilification.

MikeB4

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#1326230 17-Jun-2015 07:08

ubergeeknz:
joker97: When my lady boss talks about how us men are x, y, z (not praises) we laugh really loud

Which is a privilege you have, since men are never discriminated against in any real way.

Except discrimination based on race, disability, religion and nationality......

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

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#1326309 17-Jun-2015 09:54

MikeB4:
ubergeeknz:
joker97: When my lady boss talks about how us men are x, y, z (not praises) we laugh really loud

Which is a privilege you have, since men are never discriminated against in any real way.

Except discrimination based on race, disability, religion and nationality......

Of course and I realised this after I posted. But we were talking about sexism specifically, didn't feel I needed to get into all the other kinds of discrimination.

MikeB4

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#1326321 17-Jun-2015 10:06

ubergeeknz:
MikeB4:
ubergeeknz:
joker97: When my lady boss talks about how us men are x, y, z (not praises) we laugh really loud

Which is a privilege you have, since men are never discriminated against in any real way.

Except discrimination based on race, disability, religion and nationality......

Of course and I realised this after I posted. But we were talking about sexism specifically, didn't feel I needed to get into all the other kinds of discrimination.

sexism is such an illogical thing, as is any discrimination

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

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