The litany of the insecure

[geminianeyes]

Physically, you are weaker than most men.

Emotionally, you're at the mercy of your hormones.

Career-wise, you're not a good fit because you'll get pregnant.

Career-wise, you're too aggressive because you're not married.

Creatively, you're too flighty.

You can't put in long hours because you've a family to take care of.

You can't put in long hours because you'll be kidnapped/raped/attacked walking from your office to your car.

Financially, you can't be trusted with money.

You'll be ugly after 30.

You're fat.

You're too skinny.

You're too gossipy.

You're too quiet.

Shut up, you're not religious enough.

Shut up, you're too fanatical.

Shut up, you can only play one role.

Shut up, just do your chores and make my dinner!

Shut up, let the "real men" talk.

Shut up, you don't have a dick.

~~~~~

I respond to all these by raising an eyebrow, smiling sweetly, and mentally patting the poor, misguided soul on the head. Or even doing it in real life if they're within reach. What's your method?

Comments

[zero_pixel_count]

...I only wish they'd say these things direct to me, be open about their prejudice so I knew what I was fighting; when it's subtle insinuation you find yourself wondering, do I argue this and look like a screaming harpy, or hold my tongue and let be?

Said openly, most of those are cue for reasoned and fairly calm but definitely aggressive argument. When it's hidden, I tend to drop the evidence against into conversation whenever possible. ("I'm helping a friend move, he needs someone who can drive a van," f'rex).