A tale of misogyny, sexism and the different ways men respond

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 BY GUY SIGLEY

WARNING: This post contains the kind of offensive, misogynistic and sexually explicit material you are likely to encounter going about your daily life as a citizen of Planet Earth. Well, in The West anyway. With an Internet connection. And a radio. You get the idea.

Dean takes a deep breath before responding. He feels his heart rate increase. What have you been up to? should be a pretty harmless question from your mates over a lazy, Friday night beer.

Unless you’re an anti-misogyny campaigner who promotes respect for women.

And you’re a bloke.

‘Well, actually, I’ve become a pretty strong advocate for gender equality and opposing the sexploitation of women and children in popular culture.’ The awkward, rehearsed words run fast off his tongue.

No-one takes a drink. No-one even blinks. It feels like the whole pub has gone silent.

Thomo, the oldest of Dean’s three friends, puts on a brave face. He grins encouragingly as though Dean has just announced he’ll be dressing exclusively in Lycra and carp skin from here on in. ‘Right, well, right,’ he says. ‘That’s great, mate, good for you.’

One Response to “A tale of misogyny, sexism and the different ways men respond”

Sue
September 20th, 2012 at 8:27 pm

Uncommonly refreshing. Thanks, Guy – we need more men like you, standing up and telling it like it is!

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