But if we comment 'as women' on here - ie on cyclechat - on this thread or elsewhere - if there is obvious sexism at large in a situation - then we will get asked to take it to NACA..
Because it's deemed 'too political'..
Sexism doesn't just happen on some club rides.
It's everywhere, and we should just put up, or shut up, right ??
Laugh along with 'the lads' or we're all just 'sourpusses' right??
First when I say "as men" I mean that it's impossible for us to comment from the female perspective. We can listen, we can repeat what we are told, and I would always do this with emphasis that I'm repeating views expressed by women to me, and we can at least try to understand.
I would suggest the discussion here should be about women and cycling it should not be broadened across society. If the discussion does broaden in this way it will be moved to NACA which is an issue for moderators and Shaun - I don't agree with such moves but accept the "rules."
The issues women come up against in society are reflected in cycling and vice versa but this isn't the forum for that wider discussion. Nothing any of us can do about this as it's not our forum.
Regarding the last two sentences the answer is of course not. Women should be free to act as they wish and should not have to be one of the lads or be cast as surpasses. Something I feel I've made very clear on other occasions as my view.
I understand some of the problem and those parts I do not understand I accept as being true. Why? Simply because I've discussed the topic many times with many different women. I am far from alone amongst male cyclists in having this view and I can guarantee you I've taken male riders to task over such issues and I'll continue to do so.
I try and I think it's the best I can offer.