Sexism. Nature ? or Nurture ?

Apparently the study shows that men go for attractive women over unattractive ones, regardless of their age.

Now this seems to back up the idea that in these modern times men are far less interested in reproduction, and more interested in the quality of the sex. Be it with a male or female partner.

Dr Fieldman continues: "Men chose partners for sexual relationships for their attractiveness rather than their ability to have children: "It's a pleasure urge, rather than a reproductive one. One could be led from one's genes".

This is very interesting. If men are genetically programmed to prefer attractive women, it makes it seem unnatural to have anti-sexism laws to counteract what is simply a biologicial instinct. Why should men be punished for something which they have no control over ?

I am sure there are many geeks out there struggling with their own sexist behaviour who feel ashamed of themselves. They should not feel that way. Science has clearly demonstrated that sexism and viewing women as potential breeding partners is simply a natural biological urge.

Don't get me wrong. I understand that women have been systematically barred from reaching the higher echelons of power in the media, politics and businsess by the sheer sexism of our institutions. But I'm asking you to spare a thought for the poor male, whose sexist behaviour is simply programmed into him from birth. It is part of his genetic make-up and no amount of anti-sexism legistlation is going to change that.

So, ladies, if you are walking past a building site and a healthy male construction worker wolf-whistles at you and makes a comment about the shaplieness of your ass, or the stunning pendulousity of your breasts, try and take it as the compliment it was so obviously intended to be. Even some of the most hardcore man-hating feminists have confessed to enjoying this type of attention, so don't feel threatened, just bask in the testosterone filled atmosphere of the construction site, safe in the knowledge that the men are following their instincts, and you are following yours. After all, if the feminists continue with their anti-male agenda, men will in all probability be forced to turn to homosexuality. And even feminists are not all lesbians !!!

With the news that women are genetically programmed to be unfaithful also hitting headlines, is it any wonder that many men are already turning homsexual chat forums in order to achieve sexual satisfaction.

So what do you think ? Is sexism a natural urge ? Or do we need stricter laws to curb antisocial male behaviour ? I welcome your views.

	Sexism and poop (5.00 / 1) (#2)
	by Harvey Black on Fri Jul 20th, 2001 at 08:38:19 PM PST

	Well, I agree that 'sexism', as you define it, is the result of biological urges. I'm not sure what you mean by "anti-sexism" laws; whether you're referring to the application of anti-discrimination laws to women or the fact that a man who makes unwanted sexual advances on a woman could be found guilty of assault or harrassment. Either way, I don't think the application of laws are designed to "punish" men for having these feelings, but rather to make them think twice before acting on them, thereby allowing women to have a fair shake in our society. Were I a woman, I doubt I'd appreciate having some creepy old man leering at me and telling me what he'd like to do to me. Heh.

	Programmed sexist behaviour (5.00 / 1) (#3)
	by Anonymous Reader on Sat Jul 21st, 2001 at 04:58:06 AM PST

	If whistling at girls (a.k.a. acting like a cad) is programmed, then where can I purchase Visual DNA Studio software? I'd like to change my programming from the rest of you shaven monkeys.

	Socialized Sexuality (5.00 / 1) (#4)
	by ASAN on Sat Jul 21st, 2001 at 10:15:48 AM PST

	Men choose women for "attractiveness" rather the quality of being a "good mother"? This pretty proves sexuality is socially constructed since even a small survey of history shows that standards of beauty have varied quite a bit from society to society (There are some constants but quite a few variations). Thus it shows social standards as whole have tremendous power. If there's something coming from "genes," it's pretty clearly the ability to be flexible. Of course all this is genetic, just like all this is chemical, without chemicals, life itself would be impossible.

	What constitutes attractiveness ? (5.00 / 1) (#6)
	by Anonymous Reader on Sun Jul 22nd, 2001 at 04:24:18 PM PST

	Presumably, our idea of what is 'attractive' will relate closely to those attributes that make a good mother. For example, child bearing hips, and large breasts. Also facial symmetry (which is strongly corelated with attractiveness) is a very good indicator of health (important in a mate). So perhaps you are not examining this issue close enough!

	It's about time! (none / 0) (#5)
	by SpaceGhoti on Sat Jul 21st, 2001 at 10:32:47 AM PST

	Western society have been shying away from the notion that women are property ever since Women's Sufferage was allowed. It's about time that we got back to the pure, simple truth that women are mere objects, receptacles for male lust and incapable of independent thought. We're not responsible for our behavior, it's programmed into us! The more we accept this reality, the less we torment ourselves with the myth of free will. God intended us to be animals, not men. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. A troll's true colors.

	time for action! (none / 0) (#7)
	by Anonymous Reader on Wed Jul 25th, 2001 at 11:53:40 AM PST

	I think we should just end woman's sufferage now!

	Wow. That's a controversial opinion (none / 0) (#8)
	by dmg on Wed Jul 25th, 2001 at 05:23:25 PM PST

	We at adequacy thrive on controversy. Have you considered writing your opinion in the form of a controverial article (with links) and submitting it to Adequacy ? I'm sure we would look favourably on such a controversial subject... time to give a Newtonian demonstration - of a bullet, its mass and its acceleration. -- MC Hawking