Sexism Essay, Research Paper
Sexism
So what exactly is sexism? Sexism is the belief that
rights and roles in ones society should be governed by ones
sex. Historically, sexism has been male-driven and
accompanied by a belief in the inferiority of women. The new
opportunities becoming available to women and men through
the feminist movement will be beneficial to both. Men can
become happier and more fulfilled human beings by
challenging the old-fashioned rules of masculinity that
embody the assumption of male superiority.
Traditional masculinity includes many positive
characteristics in which men take pride and find strength,
but it also contains qualities that have limited and harmed
them. I strongly support the continuing struggle of women
for full equality. I oppose such injustices to women as
economic and legal discrimination, rape, domestic violence,
sexual harassment, and many others. Women and men can and do
work together as allies to change the injustices that have
so often made them see one another as enemies.
One of the strongest and deepest anxieties of many
American men is their fear of homosexuality. This homophobia
contributes directly to the many injustices experienced by
gay, lesbian and bisexual persons, and is a debilitating
restriction for many heterosexual men. We should call for an
end to all forms of discrimination based on
sexual-affectional orientation, and for the creation of a
gay affirmative society.
The enduring injustice of racism, which like sexism has
long divided humankind into unequal and isolated groups, is
of particular concern to me. Racism touches all of us and
remains a primary source of inequality and oppression in our
society. I also acknowledge that many people are oppressed
today because of their class, age, religion, and physical
condition. I believe that such injustices are vitally
connected to sexism, with its fundamental premise of unequal
distribution of power.