Sexism > Racism?

I'm not sure. I'm really not sure whether there is more racism or sexism in society today. I certainly can't testify to how blacks (primarily) experience racism in America today (though did have a revealing exchange with an Indian man on one of my last flights as to how he goes through extra security pretty much every time he flies). I don't know that it truly matters if there is "more" or "less" of one than the other.

Of course, there is a bright shining light on this question given the oft-heralded historic race for the Democratic Presidential nomination between Hillary and Barack (did I mention I <3). Hence, the numerous conversations (bordering on argument, perhaps) with several friends. As a fervent Barack supporter, I feel like this belief puts me squarely in the camp of the post-feminists (though not the self-hating shrew variety). One shouldn't vote for a woman presidential candidate primarily because she's a woman. One should vote for the person they believe who will do the best job.

Yet, I do cringe at the way in which many members of the press - including the typically open-minded Chris Matthews - characterize Hillary. On the other hand, I "denounce" and "reject" (to use the parlance of tight-rope walking presidential candidates as they trek the across the mined field of supporters who stick-foot-in-mouth) the whines of Hillary supporters who complain that the media is being sexist.

In reading this recent piece in Conde Nast's Portfolio about sexism in the workplace, I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with HP's famous-ex-CEO, Carly Fiorina (despite her being a McCain supporter and all) as she was quoted in a recent interview:

"The reason I wouldn't deal with gender when I became C.E.O. of H.P. is that I believed in a meritocracy where gender isn't the issue. I wanted to play by the same rules. Look, I'm not an idiot. There are clearly things that are different for men and women in leadership. But I believe you have to be the change you seek."

Be the Change You Seek, indeed. Although maybe there are more women in the boardroom (WSJ $), and in executive management, than other "underrepresented" minorities. But that doesn't make the experience of sexism in today's work world, unreal. For as many times as I've...

• been called "ambitious",
• had a boss tell me not to swim too much because women with big shoulders are not attractive,
• struggled to figure out what to wear to look stylish, but not overtly sexy,
• been hit on by a superior with direct, and far-reaching authority, to determine my next opportunity at the firm
• etc.
  

there may also have been times that I've benefited from being a (queue the immodesty alarm) smart, driven female professional. I'm not asking anyone to cry a river for me. Quite the opposite. Just as I-Heart-Barack-Obama appealed to the public the other day to have a frank, open and honest discussion about race relations, I appeal to - at least my small circle of friends - to have some friendly, open discussion about sexism in our companies and our society. I wholeheartedly intend to compete-the-pants off of my male counterparts during the course of my career, but I also want to raise a glass to thank the women of my mother's generation - yes, including Hillary - that sacrificed and strove, so I could be as successful as I am capable of being (though long way to go there still :)).

UPDATE: A few more interesting articles/op-ed pieces about sexism and racism this weekend. Neither really offer any unique insight, but just help present the information in a different way.