Misogyny -- Are Men Really Superior?

When asked about homophobia, Bishop Gene Robinson is more philosophical than religious. “Homophobia is aimed more at gay men than lesbians,” he says. “I think it’s because it has to do with an internalized misogyny.”

Misogyny, he explains, is a form of prejudice wherein the male is considered superior to the female. “For the misogynist, the greatest affront to being male is to allow someone to treat you like a female. That’s why same-sex couples are often asked which one is ‘the man’ and which one is ‘the woman’ in the relationship. The classic defense in gay bashing is ‘he made a pass at me.’ If we locked up all the men who’ve made passes at women, there would be very few men left on the streets.”

In terms of the Bible and religion, Robinson explains, from the time Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit to Paul’s insistence on female subjection, women have been considered subservient to men. “Gay people are so despised because we’re perceived as upsetting the natural order of things. When Mark and I dance, we have to decide who leads. In large measure, straight people don’t have to debate those things — the culture has already decided those roles. That’s why misogyny is so deeply embedded in us. Modern education and political correctness have taught us not to sound so misogynistic, but it’s there. Yet as more GLBT couples come out and give witness to the true mutuality of their relationships, they are having a positive impact. Society always moves forward when its worldview is insufficient to explain its current reality.”

How much of an impact do you think the presumed "natural order of things" has on opinions of gay people? Do you think there is a tendency to fear gay men more than gay women? Why or why not? Talk About It.