I've never posted in this thread, but there's something I've wanted to say that's always been in my head since I read the first post, so here it goes:
I think that society is quite sexist, a lot actually, but I like to be optimistic and think it's all changing. When I think about my grandmother (79), I kind of get a picture of the immensely patriarchal society she was raised in. Her mother -and herself too- was just a "lady" who "stayed pure" until she got married; and once she'd done that it was time to settle down and start "giving children to her husband". My great grandmother had 8 children, with a difference of just a year or two between them. Her only job was to do the cooking, raise the kids and and cleaning the house. My grandmother was raised in that society and she did change a bit, but still she was a bit shocked to find female mechanics, female drivers or even female businessmanagers. She had 7 children herself, and did the same as her mother. However, my mother had 2 children and she had her own job, still she did almost all the domestic work. Anyway, my point is that society has changed a whole lot when it comes to sexism and I think it must keep changing and it will keep changing.
From my point of view, patriarchy is quite installed in society and I can see it myself. For instance, there was a girl in my school who lost her virginity at the age of 14 and had had sexual intercourse with other three boys by the age of 17. People said she was a bitch and a slut, and I even heard people say that she was "the biggest slut in town". At first, I looked at her and thought wrong about her. Later on, I realised that the one that was wrong was me; she didn't even know me and if she had had sex it was her problem. She was no slut. When I happened to be around her she was just a normal girl, and wasn't acting like a slut. I'm glad I realised that, because it opened my eyes. I discovered I was unconsciously judging people because of a standard that is completely wrong. So once I'd noticed it I was able to start noticing other stuff.
Start noticing all this: I hate make-up, it makes pretty women look awful. I hate how some girls feel so discriminated for being a bit chubby. I hate how some people think that certain jobs can only be done by women/men. I hate how girls with a lot of sexual partners are called "sluts" and how boys are applauded if they do same. I hate how little girls cannot play games like football or rugby without being tagged as "butch"; or how little boys cannot play with dolls without being called "sissies". I hate how some people think that a woman can't fix a car's engine or do plumbing, or men can't cook or do the washing up (actually, people do not think that men can't do it; they suppose women are better than them by nature instead).
I hate all that, but I feel like it's changing. I am changing and I think all the people in this thread are, too. A lot has been changed and there's a lot yet to be changed, but I think it's possible. There are a lot of people who have been raised differently and we won't be able to change them; but we can make a difference anyway.
I think that society is quite harsh on women but I try not to contribute, and it helps. I'd never say "I'm glad I'm not a girl" (although I understand that was just the name of the thread to call your attention) so instead, when someone calls some certain girl a slut, I like thinking "I'm glad I'm not like you" and just try to make them see they're wrong.
I may be a super-optimistic dick claiming the moral high ground, but I can't be bothered.