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.