> Here's the thing: words (as opposed to physical violence) are very curious insofar as they can only hurt you as much as you let them. Life is not that simple

> Here's the thing: words (as opposed to physical violence) are very curious insofar as they can only hurt you as much as you let them. Life is not that simple. Psychologists have shown that exposure to 'harmless' sexist humor can lead to an increase in the toleration of hostility towards, and discrimination against, women.[1] 'Growing a thicker skin' might save your feelings for a bit, but the net effect is paradoxically that over time your ability to tolerate 'minor' comments will open you up to increasingly more serious discrimination. Far easier to nip the discrimination in the bud when its still a dumb blonde joke, far harder when it's serious pay discrimination or outright sexual harassment. [1] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106083038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071106083038.ht...