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Originally Posted by tofu
wait, why is the hypothesis that sexual dimorphism, which extends to the brain and is visible in MRI scans, might express itself - why is that "highly offensive?" Without touching on the validity of the claim, why would be offended by the discussion?
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Were there any credible evidence to back up a difference in mathematical ability between genders, such a discussion of the evidence would indeed be worthy of this forum and not offensive. However, such pseudoscientific claims have been thoroughly debunked, much as the claims of racial superiority in intelligence for whites versus blacks was debunked after the publication of 'The Bell Curve'. Further promulgation of this theory of gender difference in math ability therefore serves no constructive purpose and makes every woman who sees this thread feel bad, whether she bothers to slog through the evidence for and against or not. How would
you feel if we started a thread entirely devoted to the 'evidence' (and I use that term advisedly) for females' superiority in reasoning and language abilities (or any other intellectual ability) over males?? Put yourself in my place for a second!!
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Same question here. Regardless of whether it's true or not, why would you automatically assume that someone who asks a question is sexist?
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You aren't simply 'asking the question'; you are defending a false claim of superiority of men over women in mathematics, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. Why
wouldn't I call that sexist??
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Are you offended if someone claims that men tend to be taller than women? Are you offended if someone points out that men have greater tendency toward violence?
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Nope, I'm not, as these gender differences are based in fact. The facts are the facts. They may be cause to despair, for one reason or another, but bringing up uncomfortable facts does not constitute bias of any kind. Promulgating half-truths and untruths about gender differences does, however.
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If I point out that women tend to have better language processing skills, does that make me a sexist.
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Not if it's true. If it isn't, and you insist it is, them you are indulging in reverse gender-bashing, which is both sad and strange.
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Any time I compliment the female gender, or bash the male gender, you're ok with that. But if I dare to suggest that maybe there might be one tiny little thing that's good about men, you're offended and you call me sexist. I find that troubling.
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The above quote is such a crock. Most of friends are male, as I find men easier to get along with than women. I'm happily married to a wonderful man, and I'd scratch the eyes out of anyone who'd denigrate his abilities because he's a man. I'm not misandist, nor am I a proponent of the theory that gender doesn't matter. It does, in many things.
But not in mathematical ability.
You know,
tofu, I'd advise stopping this whole 'which gender is superior in what' line of thinking. You don't have to tear half the species down to bring yourself up.