Gender, Privilege, and Sexism

Blog 2 Gender in Social Context

Benevolent, Hostile

Benevolent sexism | the attitude that women are special beings to be cherished and protected.

Hostile sexism | when women are objectified or degraded. Hostile sexism has three sources: a need to control women, gender differentiation, and devaluation of women.

Based on the modules, I feel indifferent about benevolent sexism. As a woman, of course I would want me to place me on a pedestal and be cherished. Although, it may seem like a positive attitude towards women, it has it's disadvantages. My insight is that honestly, no matter how many categories and types of “sexism” there may be, sexism is harmful in general.

Benevolent sexism shelters women, almost holding them to believe they can’t be independent. It places women in a position to accept rules telling them what they can and cannot do. Ambivalent sexism involves a bit of benevolence but it also some hostile. I believe ambivalent sexism is harmful. Men will praise the women in a sense of admiration, but there’s almost like a hate for women who can take on the same job as them. Ambivalent sexist almost covers up the negative thought of the status of the women by simply giving credit where it’s due. I did resist to some of information that I read.

 Social Media

Social Media demonstrates benevolent sexism is during beauty pageant season. These women are envied all over the country, as the most beautiful women in the world. The winner is considered the “Queen”, thus placing her a pedestal. Social Media demonstrates hostile sexism during the campaign for the first women, Hillary Clinton, ran for president. America has been ran by a male president forever.

Social Media Creates Hostile Sexist Meme as a joke.

Ambivalent sexism

Ambivalent sexism| both hostile and benevolence are involved toward women.

Benefits

Recognition | Ultimately, there is some type of recognition for women's status.

Protection | Men may feel the need to protect women, who may be considered weak

Decreased Work Load | Women are seen as less capable than man which may result in less assignments in the work place.

Cost

Intimidation | When a woman holds a higher status than a man, it may be frowned upon. Ambivalent sexism considers careers and positions to be gender specific.

Stereotyped | Women who succeed are automatically considered mean, cold and selfish. Places women in a negative light for making these achievements.

Shelters | Ambivalent sexism places an umbrella on what women's capabilities.

Kindness vs. Sexism

Kindness is a positive gesture, showing praise in what someone does. Sexism may start with a positive gesture but a negative element or acknowledgement follows directly. In my opinion, this seems pretty fake. This may be an action of trying to control the woman. By showing companionship, a woman tends to easily trust, this may be a mean tactic for those who have true intentions to deceive or use.

For More Information:

Understanding Prejudice | http://www.understandingprejudice.org/asi/faq

 Everything | https://everything2.com/title/hostile+sexism