Is it sexist to say something like "I would never hit a woman"?

[Trembling Eagle]

Because if I would hit a guy for something, why would I not hit a woman for the same offense? The reason I wouldn't hit a small child or animal for the same offense is obvious. To put a woman in the same category strikes me as being biased.

Why is this logic flawed?

[Julie]

Why is your logic of not not hitting women flawed or why is logic the logic that puts women in the same category as small children and animals flawed?

[yesno]

I make sure to only hit people that are smaller and weaker than me.  It just makes sense.

[Julie]

I'm bored, but is I don't want to keep posting on this thread. What's the answer to the question, though? The anticipation is killing me.

[emma]

I am not sure I understand this:

Because if I would hit a guy for something, why would I not hit a woman for the same offense? The reason I wouldn't hit small child or animal for the same offense is obvious. To put a woman in the same category strikes me as being biased.

Why is this logic flawed?

but the answer to the question in the subject line is yes. Please note that this is my opinion, and as I am female, it the opinion of all women everywhere and the matter is now closed.

Hitting people is kind of a dick move anyway. If someone's bothering you, why not just put ex-lax in their coffee?

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

According to Randy "The Ethicist" Cohen, it's acceptable to hit a woman, but only in order to prevent a terrorist attack.

[erika]

There's a fine line between sexism and chivalry. I appreciate that my boyfriend would never hit a woman (he has said as much) but I can understand why, if I hit a dude, he might hit me back. But being only 5 foot 1 would make it (in most cases) an incredibly unfair fight. That, and I'm an utter weakling who has never been in a fight.

So I see it as a pretty normal sentiment and not all that sexist. But that's coming from a somewhat weak, non-violent, short girl...

[emma]

It's fair to say "I'm not going to beat someone up if they are clearly smaller than weaker than me" but it's sexist to say you are not going to hit a woman because they are all clearly weak and small. Also: incorrect.

[erika]

True. But there are some things that are just bred into certain guys in regards to how they treat women. For instance (and this took some getting used to) my boyfriend always likes to help me with my bags if I have groceries. Like to the point where if I have two bags of groceries he likes to carry both of them for me. I usually don't like it and I fight with him so that we can both carry one.

But he doesn't do it because he thinks I'm weak. He was just taught that it was what you do. Hold doors for ladies, let them walk in front of you, carry the heavy bags, etc.

When he's not being all chivalrous, he's teaching me how to break guy's arms and shoot a shotgun. So I dunno... I guess one person might see a statement like "I would never hit a woman" as sexist, but to another it's just how they were brought up.

[mokin]

I think when people say, "I would never hit a woman," they are bragging that they aren't wife beaters.

Stop bragging, assault elitists!

[Julie]

I hit my husband all the time, but he never hits me back. The next time I hit him, it will be because he's a sexist. I never have hit a woman, but since I've never said I would never hit a woman, then I'm not a sexist for it. However, I'm a little confused because I once thought I wanted to push my old boss, who is not really a chihuahua on crack, but a woman, in front of a bus. I think that would go in the category of hitting. Since I didn't hit her, maybe I have sexist tendencies. I'm kind of ashamed of myself now. I don't want to hit people if I'm uncomfortable with it, but I also don't want to be a sexist.

[Julie]

I think when people say, "I would never hit a woman," they are bragging that they aren't wife beaters.

Stop bragging, assault elitists!

I can't stand snobs!

[Matt C]

When he's not being all chivalrous, he's teaching me how to break guy's arms and shoot a shotgun. So I dunno... I guess one person might see a statement like "I would never hit a woman" as sexist, but to another it's just how they were brought up.

Your boyfriend is cool.

[Sarah]

I like you more and more, Julie.

And, TE?  Emma is correct.

[Trembling Eagle]

I am not sure I understand this:

Because if I would hit a guy for something, why would I not hit a woman for the same offense? The reason I wouldn't hit small child or animal for the same offense is obvious. To put a woman in the same category strikes me as being biased.

Why is this logic flawed?

but the answer to the question in the subject line is yes. Please note that this is my opinion, and as I am female, it the opinion of all women everywhere and the matter is now closed.

Hitting people is kind of a dick move anyway. If someone's bothering you, why not just put ex-lax in their coffee?

This is probably the healthier/saner attitude to have towards life, that there is never a reason to hit anyone. I think most educated women of means will hold such a civilized outlook. But I think many men and people in the lower social strata will agree there are circumstances in life that will call for hand to hand combat no matter how much you try to avoid them. In defense of loved ones for example or self defense.....even a preemptive strike or push if one fears for ones safety.