I fully agree with you, ChristineA. I wrote this as I did, not to suggest that only females ought to be respected as 'people' but because it is females that have and do, predominantly, suffer from sexual stereotyping.

Males do need to be free of this, too, and where it exists it is also restrictive and harmful. I had thought that I had made it clear that boys deserved equal consideration.

Indeed, I was often demeaned in earlier years because I have a strong 'feminine' side, (whatever that is but it seemed to be based on my 'home-making' tendency and nurturing ability with children)

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Gender stereotyping is also harmful and inappropriate but, I suggest is less commonly insidious and caused by a different set of factors than patriarchy.

Take care. Stay safe. ☮️