The definition I found is : "Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex." Dig down another level and take a look

The definition I found is : "Prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex." Dig down another level and take a look at the root of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. You'll find all three are about assertion of power over another person or group of people on the basis of certain criteria (race, gender, ethnicity, etc). I would have thought it would reduce his own stature, which is something that nervous speakers do seem to do for some reason. That's the trick of self-deprecating humor. It's very effective in deflecting criticism from others. After all, once you've said something outrageous about yourself what else can someone do to you? However, it can also be used to soften or excuse what's likely to be a controversial statement. The investor's opening prattle works pretty much the same way. I should point out that it is highly unlikely the investor planned these remarks. It is more a learned action, practiced over time, which has become institutionalized in his behavior and the behavior of those like him.