to think that feminists moaning about "benevolent sexism" are shooting themselves in the foot?

[Omigawd]

Torygraph article:

Benevolent Sexism

I'm shocked to be agreeing with teh Torygraph, but do I think these feminists have lost the plot.

" I, for one, have no objection to being cherished and protected, within reason, by anybody: if mild cherishing is on offer, you can generally count me in"

Yes I agree with the author, especially the quote above.

To mind the issues of child brides etc the author brings up should concern everyone as a concern of human rights.

Well I think the argument is that these 'benignly sexist' attitudes are the thin end of a wedge that results in women being viewed as incompetent creatures who need to be protected from the big scary real world.

Personally, I always smile brightly and thank genuinely people who hold doors open for me (whatever their gender), and I am grateful to whomever gives me expert advice on laptops.... I just bought a new laptop, actually, and I did ask my ex-DP for advice, as he knows a lot about computers. He kindly advised me, but I still did extensive internet research on review sites etc... can't say whether those reviewers were men or women though...