Can I just say something, as a straight male myself I'm a bit embarassed that some of the obviously hetero male askers in your inbox don't seem to grasp the concept of male privilege. We live in male privilege you guys, most of the stuff that's published i

We do live in a world of all kinds of inequity.

But I’m not immune to any of this nor do I consider myself particularly enlightened or even particularly informed. I’m straight, cis, able-bodied and white, most of the world is pretty much open to me in ways that it is not for a lot of my readers and friends. 

I think it’s understandable that many people aren’t aware of their privilege. You can be raised in a way that never forces you to address it, let alone correct it.

What galls me is the automatic shutting down when it’s pointed out. The scoffing, the kneejerk denial, the rote excuses, the minimizing.  If you can’t listen, if you WON’T listen, you’re an asshole.

I don’t think anyone expects anyone to be perfect. But not even listening, that’s pretty inexcusable.