Saturday 6 October 2012

Sexism in chess

   Sexism, also known as gender discrimination or sex discrimination, is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender; or conditions or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex. Sexist attitudes are frequently based on beliefs in traditional stereotypes of gender roles. Sexism is not just a matter of individual attitudes, but is built into many societal institutions. The term sexism is most often used in relation to discrimination against women. Sexism involves hatred of, or prejudice towards, a gender as a whole or the application of gender stereotypes. Sexism is often associated with gender supremacy arguments.
   I think that it's a very actual topic in chess. Many say that women can't play chess at the men's level. True or not, if to believe the statistics- they are right. Why does it happen? If for a man chess is a proffession,there are really few women who can say the same. We want to marry, to have children, to take care of our families-we've got to many concerns. That might be the reason why women don't play chess at men's level- we don't give the same time to chess, though we try to compensate it with our emotional intelligence. I really believe that a very determined woman,who has the goal to become World Champion from a very early age and who works on it day by day has a chance.
   Some friend told me something very interesting not a long time ago. "Sexism is more against men than against women in chess. You play in opens,have your prizes, you can fight for both men and women prizes,but we can't play in women's tournaments and get special men prizes!" Somehow,he's right. We do have many advantages. We can atack psychologically- wearing some super-sexy dress and high-heels (you know what I'm talking about ;) .It was proved that men play more aggressively against women whom they consider sexy,so here comes our chance for counterattacking :)
   The conclusion is that sexism in chess works more in our favour,the point is to be aware of it :D

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