sexism

by teejay 25 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Seeker

  I made the mistake of using beauty pageants to illustrate a larger idea. It was simply the impetus that started the dialog between me and Sis, so that's what I used to bring it here. My question wasn't really about pageants, though. It was whether or not viewing members of the opposite sex in all their beauty and acknowledging such to oneself (or others) is wrong. Or sexist.

  I see what you are getting at, and I agree with you. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging beauty, even if our individual standards of beauty may be subjective.
• 

  DannyBear

  Seeker,

  I finally realize why so many on these discussion boards, revel in the parsing of words. Or more easily put, disecting commentary as if it was some debating, tag treatise on scientific data.

  Instead of formulating thoughtful complete responses, the tag debater can twist another's individual's words or sentences, to suit your argument.

  It is far more difficult a task to formulate a complete statement, an assay on what you are trying to say. Why do so many take on this debate style of response? I believe that they are either frightened of putting more than several sentences together, for fear of being open to other tag debater's. Or it is just simply more fun, to tear apart another's effort at trying to express an idea. If you call what you did in the above interchange a discussion, well have it. Someone will always be considered the loser. Just by sheer volume of cut and paste.

  Why not just read and absorb someone else's ideas. Then without feeling the need to draw every little flaw (you perceive), make a whole, unashamed, response. Nobody wins or loses so obviously, but everyone can read and comprehend, eh?

  Danny

  For purposes of example you end up changing the whole discussion to one of 'beauty pagents', not the issue being discussed 'swimwear contests'.
• 

  Seeker

  If you call what you did in the above interchange a discussion, well have it. Someone will always be considered the loser. Just by sheer volume of cut and paste.

  Huh? Did I miss something? Teejay and I did have a discussion, and we came to an understanding that we both basically agreed. To me, that doesn't include the idea of winner or loser, but a discussion among adults where we share ideas. It's not a competition.

  Why not just read and absorb someone else's ideas.

  I did that.

  Then without feeling the need to draw every little flaw (you perceive), make a whole, unashamed, response. Nobody wins or loses so obviously, but everyone can read and comprehend, eh?

  I didn't pick on every flaw, but instead responded to every question brought out. I suppose I could have ignored part of his response, but that isn't the point of a discussion board, IMO.

  For purposes of example you end up changing the whole discussion to one of 'beauty pagents', not the issue being discussed 'swimwear contests'.

  Nah, that was just sloppiness on my part. I thought of that as soon as I wrote it, but didn't bother to correct myself as I didn't think it would be an issue to anyone.
• 

  DannyBear

  Seeker,

  Ok then, I will concede you both did come to a meeting of the minds.

  I guess I made a point of throwing a barb at the cut and paste, because I see so many of these type discussion's(?) end up in stalemated flurries of 'oh yeah, well here is another word or phrase back at ya' usually amounting to nothing other than a contrived put down, to someone's posture on any given matter. Makes the parser look good, but demeans and belittles the message giver.

  So Iam glad you didn't pull my every word apart, but took it in the spirit I offered it.

  Thanks Seeker.

  Danny
• 

  waiting

  Howdy,

  Interesting topic because 3 things were brought in as the subject:

  swimsuit competition
  Miss America Pagents
  sexist behavior

  My opinion is: the swimsuit competition at the Miss America pagent isn't sexist at all. I said that nearly every man alive has no problem whatsoever viewing the female form -- the fewer the clothes the better;

  The place of this particular swimsuit competition wasn't the beach - it was the Miss America pagent, which puts a particular worldwide spin on it. To get to that point, young women do many things, some which have negatively surprised viewers over the years.

  If you're talking about a swimsuit competition at the beach - go for it. No big deal, imho.

  If you're talking about a swimsuit competition judging the Outstanding Young Unmarried Female in America - then standards will slowly be set for younger women, advertising money will flow, fashions will continue or be reinforced. Pity the highly intelligent, gifted, gracious, young woman with a nose that can't be surgically altered or she's 5'2" with stocky legs.

  I personally think that the jw tennis sisters are a better example of the female fit & beautiful body. But I don't know much about them, just judging the body.

  Anyway, if this discussion was just about looking at women who put themselves on display - yes, it is sexist, and no, it's no big deal. But call it for what it is. To be honest, it would seem sexist of the women to do it in the first place - so the whole system continues.

  Btw, didn't the Miss America pagent used to be called The Miss America Beauty Pagent?

  waiting
• 

  Seeker

  Danny,

  I see what you meant. We're cool.

  Thanks.