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This pattern bothers me so much because personal reasons. 15 years ago, I was an idealistic young woman. And men I liked and trusted told me that I was naive and shut me down. And I believed them. https://twitter.com/Introspectivish/status/1248101644253966337
I spent my early twenties surrounded by educated men discussing the economy and politics over drinks, and they never let me participate. Despite my miraculous ability to get a word in edgewise and to formulate my points succinctly.
They called me naive and every time asked them with outrage "why do people get away with this scam? Why does no one stop this inequality?" they would explain how insurance worked, or something basic like that, as if I didn't go to the same university.
And I let them. I believed them. I shut up and accepted that I was ignorant. And for years after that, I was depressed and quiet. A condition from which I didn't recover until someone started listening to me.
These days, I only keep friends who listen, who respect my intelligence. But the pattern still bothers me, because there are other men shutting other women down. And I know now that it has nothing to do with the woman's intelligent points.
Why does this keep happening? What is it that makes these men tune out intelligence when it comes out of a woman's mouth or keyboard? Who are these men who are so unaware of their misogyny that they say these things to women they care about?
I have no satisfying conclusion to this thread. I just wish people would listen to each other, without gender bias. Take gender (and background) into account, as additional information. But always listen anyway.
