Like many women my age, I grew up with misogyny.
This misognyny was both overt and subtle. Today, there is less of this in my life, but a conversation with an older relative today reminded me that it is still present.
Why did and do so many dislike women and treat them with contempt and prejudice?
Where did this begin and why does it continue?
How do we make peace with the misogynistic past many of us experienced and how do we cope with misogyny when it presents itself today?
Spend time with young women
Many of the young women around me are confident and well schooled when it comes to their confidence and ability to condemn and work against misogyny. Spending time with those young women, listening to their words and watching them interact with the world around them is good mentoring for how to deal with prejudice, dislike and contempt for women.
Ignore it
In some cases, especially with older relatives, it is often best to ignore it because it doesn't matter that much.
Respond with questioning and action
When it does matter, respond with simple questions or actions. For example, when I was the butt of a tirade against women recently, I simply said, "Why would you speak about women that way?" That question brought the man to his senses.
Rid your own language and actions of mysoginistic words, behavior
We all, both men and women, likely have adopted mysogynistic behaviors and language--we have to rid ourselves of those long held and hurtful ways.
Teach the young to be inclusive, accepting and supportive of all
Make sure that the young people you mentor, teach and raise do not adopt mysogynistic behaviors and words. Explain to them why this is hurtful and wrong.
Learn about mysogyny
The more educated we are about this terrible prejudice, the better able we will be to combat it.