I noted the other day, a couple of very similar phrases that are commonly used in instances of assault, violence, misdemeanors etc and how differently they are used in common speak on a regular basis. The phrases are:
"He was drunk" and
"She was drunk"
Think about the last time you heard those phrases being used. Chances are the first phrase was just to rationalize or make an excuse for a male person who has committed some sort of an offense which is unjustified and largely inexcusable but society tries to brush it under the carpet with a catchy little phrase somehow absolving the person of any ill-will or wrong doing.
On the other hand, if you think about when and where you heard the second phrase, you will realize its most likely to point the finger at a woman for being in the state that she was and hence somehow responsible for whatsoever crime or action that was taken against her. Straight forward blaming the victim tactics, which are abhorrent and should never be used.
This example illustrates the level of patriarchy that has creeped into our words and language due to a mental approach that supports the male over the female. I would call this the Significant Societal Sexism (SSS) that disables women from having an equal playing field in society, on a global level and hence the existing male privilege continues and gets stronger. Its pitiful and sad that it continues even in todays day and age in western (so-called developed) society.
