Sexism has cronies.

Suzanne Pharr's 1997 Homophobia: A Weapon of Sexism article brings up a very important point. Sexism is not alone; it has cronies. Racism and homophobia roll with sexism. Pharr states that beside sexism, homophobia and racism have been the major causes of the failure of the women’s liberation movement having lasting change. These three enforce and maintain each other. In a horrible cycle, they provide privilege for a few and detriment to many. Methods such as lesbian baiting, where strong and independent women are labeled as lesbians, are used to keep women in line with the status quo (the status quo being middle class, white heterosexuals).

This type of behavior is something most people would never think to be a part of. I personally feel that you can not be a feminist without also caring about issues surrounding race, sexual orientation and all that is considered “inferior”. But I wonder if we push people into the status quo in other ways than flat out calling them lesbian. Do we ever comment on girl’s clothing when all she wears is jeans, a tee and sneakers? Do we think athletic girls are too manly? Do we influence our peers’ movement and speech through subtle comments? This type of behavior is performed everyday without much thought from people. What can be done about this? Breaking up sexism’s cronies can help rid of sexism. Being aware of the words we use, breaking stereotypes in our own way and accepting others for who they are is a good way to get started.