Why Sherlock is Not Sexist - A Re-evaluation Amended

[wellingtongoose]

As a woman, I want to explain why I do not think BBC Sherlock is “sexist” and why the writers are not “woman hating misogynists”.

This re-evaluation is a more logical, comprehensive and coherent analysis of the reasons why BBC Sherlock is not sexist. I investigate the claims that:

• There is a lack of female characters
• Female characters are defined by

Comments

[eglantine_br]

Well put and thorough as usual. I am having a good time reading these. And I agree with you.

[fanbot]

Well done. I think some of the perceived aspects of Sherlock himself being sexist is because he is, basically, sexless. His head is not turned by a beautiful woman, even if one sits naked in his lap. :)

[random_hato]

I really enjoyed this :) I've read some of the meta alleging the sexism, and while it is certainly an interesting interpretation, I could never really see it myself. For the very reasons you've cleverly stated above, lol. Thank you so much for this!

[anonymous]

Bravo. Thank you. I'd gladly choose you to represent my views about Sherlock and human equality.

[lamardeuse]

If they had made the heroes into heroines, I highly doubt anyone would be calling the show “sexist”, despite the fact that the screen time is now dominated by women.

We see another equally valid example in TBB where Soo Lin’s co-worker at the museum makes a right idiot out of himself trying to get her to notice him. It is interesting to see that no one has highlighted this as a sexist portrayal of men.

Uh. No. There's actually no such thing as "reverse sexism". Or reverse racism, or prejudice against straight people or name whatever group you want to name. Sexism, like other forms of discrimination, are based in privilege, and the privilege in this society favours men.

If you're interested in reading a bit more about privilege and sexism, a site like feministing is a good place to start; reading this article about male privilege is another.

[musamihi]

I was about to make something like this same point. I also think this post is an excellent discussion of male privilege (and a few other kinds) that speaks to some of the defensive attitudes that tend to crop up in discussions of sexism. *adds two cents*

[lamardeuse]

Thanks for that very interesting link.

[kizzia]

Are you saying that is isn't possible for men to be subject to sexism? I'm a little confused as Wellingtongoose doesn't use the term "reverse sexism" she simply applies the word sexist to how Andy was portrayed, which I thought was a valid use of the word (regardless of whether I agree with the assessment or not).