I didn't know much about sexism till I was in 6th grade. It hit me like a ton of bricks.
"HA! You lost to a girl! Loser!" Until 6th grade, I never took this statement seriously, but I later realized how much sexism was behind it. The male who stated this must have apparently thought that females are worse than males at chess. Thus, losing to a girl, makes a boy weak? This male just insulted the whole female sex by stating that they're lesser than men. I'd just like to mention that chess is a sport that involves the brain, not testosterone levels. A difference in brain size does not mean a difference in intelligence. A woman can be just as intelligent as any man.
Another statement I've heard often from males that play chess is "I wish I was female. The rating levels are low to get selected for world youth chess so I would easily get in." Now, I'm not saying that the rating level requirements are not lower for women. They definitely are. But have you ever wondered why that is? Only if the rating requirement is lower for females, tournaments can get about equivalent turnouts of male and and female chess players. Female representation in chess is extremely low. I really do hope that changes one day. I've started an organization called FEMChess in hopes of getting more girls to play chess, and break the gender inequality.
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