[Locke]

Originally Posted by rubecube

I'm trying to figure out what exactly you mean by the bolded. Is it that you I think it takes far more effort to recognize and critique structural problems and inequalities, and to try to propose solutions that might actually reduce said inequalities than it does to sit back and say "well that's not how the real world is," which is really a bizarre and unhelpful statement to add to a conversation that's challenging existing social norms. I mean there's the obvious problem of it being a subjective statement masquerading as objective fact, but it's also contending a point that's already been conceded to some degree. Those challenging social norms know how the world works and they're dissatisfied with it. That's the point of the entire conversation.

Maybe that's not your point and you're more alluding to the perceptions of inequality being inaccurate or unrealistic, but I think again this is problematic in that perceptions are shaped by lived experiences, so one person's "real world" is going to look different than someone else's, depending on a variety of factors.

As for the "white knight" thing, it's a term often used by MRAs and other sexists to denigrate and trivialize the opinions of men who support various women's or feminist causes by insinuating such support is secretly a ploy to get laid, which is a pretty sexist opinion to hold when you consider it. I don't think that's what you were implying, but to say that defending or aligning oneself with the causes of women, minorities, etc., is due to "delusions of grandeur" is in somewhat of the same cynical vein as the way in which the MRAs use the term.

I personally don't view the F&I Girls as particularly sexist, but I can see how they might make certain fans feel as though their patronage isn't as valued as a heterosexual man's. However, I'm not going to question the sincerity of those who do claim they're sexist by framing their arguments as an act of disingenuous gallantry.

Interesting question. I have to leave work right now, but I'll be sure to respond to this tomorrow. I hate responding to things like this from my phone.