“I think this is the most subtly sexist thing I have ever heard…like ever…and yet, it’s honest. It is the typical male mindset, whether he cares to or even can consciously acknowledge it.
So how I could read this: (and how I probably will) is that women have no value beyond the ability to satisfy you sexually.”
Where did I specify sexuality as the only thing I want from women; where did I mention sexuality at all? Interesting that you made that assumption. Even if that assumption were accurate, so what? I value what is valuable to me. What obligates me to value or not value any particular quality in women? If it is a “typical male mindset,” so what? If it is so typical then there might be a good reason for it. It might be a mindset that works quite well for those who harbor it; therefore they are likely to continue to harbor that mindset until they are offered one that works better for them. Each will continue to either articulate or not articulate as best serves his interests in any particular situation.
“…clever enough to be dealing with clever women…”
True, men who value women primarily for their sexuality (which it is their prerogative to do) need to be, as you say, clever. This is because the mere act of valuing women for their sexuality makes men sexually unappealing to women. Therefore, in pursuit of a valued, but scarce resource they must present themselves as valuing women for everything but their sexuality. They must appear to value everything else except the one thing they are seeking. Maybe if women were to place a higher value on men’s sexuality that conflict would be alleviated. I don’t anticipate that happening and expect the present situation to persist.
My mindset reflects how I arrange my priorities according to their relative value to me. That your priorities are different than mine does not make them better than mine. If there are qualities that you would prefer that I value, then you will have to find a way to make them valuable to me.
People with whom I am closely associated are clearly aware of any relevant mindset that I harbor. Those who continue associating with me find my mindset acceptable, and those to whom it is unacceptable find others with whom to associate.
I do not value or want anything from women collectively; I value people individually. I consider each person, individually, to be of equal value to each other person, individually, in the eyes of God. That is my vision of equality; that is a mindset of mine.
