Charlotte T. Best: Scapegoating on sexism

Regarding the Sept. 5 Point of View “To be taken seriously in the age of sexism”: Many thanks to Blake Dodge for “outing” her experiences of subtle sexism as an ordinary daily occurrence in the lives of women and girls.

In the past, this sort of sexist behavior was accepted, and how to operate within its limited system was part of social schooling for girls. Mothers, sisters and favorite aunts were the teachers and provided useful information (never ask a man for anything before he has had his dinner) and dire warnings about deviations (never say what you really think). White gloves were thought to ward off evil consequences.

Much has changed to counter overt sexism. No longer do we accept domestic violence (the ultimate control) as a marriage right, and new laws have opened economic opportunities and protections for women.

But, as the many fearful and angry responses to Dodge’s article appeared, and some with the denial that subtle sexism even exists, there is a strong indication of a perceived loss for men in this “outing.”

Being allowed to put somebody down in order to feel that they are somebody is called scapegoating. It’s not Dodge who needs to grow up but her critics and deniers.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Charlotte T. Best: Scapegoating on sexism."