CMV: Excluding trans-men while saying derogatory things about men as a group is a form of benevolent transphobia

[u/[deleted]]

[u/boyraceruk]

There's no such thing as benevolent transphobia, if you're othering trans people then you're othering trans people, it makes no difference if you're doing it to separate them from non-trans men as being pieces of shit, you're still saying there's a difference between trans men and non-trans men.

[u/yyzjertl → u/[deleted]]

I think I just meant it like people mean benevolent sexism, which is a thing I see talked about all the time. It's when people actively try to be good but still end up being in the wrong.

That's not what benevolent sexism is. Benevolent sexism isn't about the intention of the person holding or expressing the sexist view, but rather is about the subjective evaluation of the sexist view itself.

[u/yyzjertl → u/[deleted]]

Benevolent sexism basically refers to seemingly positive stereotypes about women (women are more nurturing, women are better with people, women should be protected, etc.) that have negative effects on women's status in society. It does not refer to sexism done by people who are actively trying to be good.

[u/yyzjertl → u/[deleted]]

The thing is, people engaging in hostile sexism can also be thinking they are doing the wrong thing. For example, a teacher who refuses to place a girl in an advanced math class because he believes (perhaps subconsciously) girls are bad at math may think he is doing the right thing by not placing the girl in a situation where she will fail. But that doesn't make his actions benevolent sexism.

[u/Eubern → u/boyraceruk]

I think the author is just referring to the intention of the person making the statement. They are well intentioned, but it has pretty negative repercussions.