Being Sexist.

You know when some random comments by certain people just hit you all of a sudden and take up a lot of mind space? Happened to me lately. And since I anyway think too much, this was like much appreciated fodder for my over thinking brain.

I have always been known to be up in arms against any comment that’s remotely sexist. So much so that people have named me “the girl who has no sense of humour” – not that I mind. But this random comment had me seriously doubting my credibility.

So many times I’ve taken absolute pride in saying “I’m not a girly girl,” “I don’t apply tons of make up like other women do,” “I am NOT like other girls!” “I was never into such girly stuff.” And yet, when this lady said something to the tune of – “I make better friends with boys, girls are too complicated, gawd!” – it struck me as being odd, insulting and extremely sexist.

Guilty.

Of having been a propeller of sexism from the time I’ve known myself. Guilty, of proving it right when they say – women are the worst enemies of fellow women. Of having been associating behaviours to my own sex and criticising others for it.

My initial reaction to the comment was anger. And slowly as the day progressed came thankfulness. Because, thanks to this very derogatory comment, I will now be able to do my best to refrain from insulting my own tribe further.

We do that you see, we keep saying these seemingly harmless things which help keep the cycle of patriarchy rolling on. And unless each one of us takes note of these petty little things we say and do, the change that we all want to see, will never come. Systemic changes always begin with tightening of the smallest screw in the most unimportant looking section of the machine!