And seeing how the world really is does not — nor should it — preclude any of us from pointing out what’s wrong with it, and suggesting that there’s a way to make it better.

The same could be said to you John… meaning, by your logic you should STFU if you don’t like what Jessica, or anyone else, has to say. We don’t all have to agree but it would be great if when we didn’t we weren’t a-holes about it. But you deserve props for using what seems to be your real name!

Your “in wounded tones” commentary on this matter doesn’t quite deserve an “original” insult, now does it?

Grow up, and when you do, you will see the world how it really is … not how you wish it was.

The more that this demeaning thinking can be revealed, the better.

And I hope you’re right re: 99% of the audience sharing the non-knuckle-dragging POV! (but am not going to hold my breath).

I meant that almost everyone (most likely including at least one of the two men quoted in this post) agrees that women aren’t just a decoration at racetracks.

My point was that its unproductive to discuss a topic if 99% of the audience share your view in the first place. It’s more likely to raise the false perception of a greater rift than there actually is, rather than to convince the remaining 1%, which most likely won’t read about this topic anyway, or will only become defensive because of the level of scorn directed at them.

No kidding, so far we have “you must be a hag if you’re complaining” or “this topic is unproductive” (like it’s productive to scold someone). I like Alan’s genuine reaction to the sentiment the best.

The couple of times I saw “Downs after Dark” (a name that tends to attract a woman’s interest?) on HRTV or the photo slideshows from the KY papers afterward, I was struck by the dressed up, “aesthetic” (terrible word to describe a female, BTW) women with drinks in hand, the “white hats” (dated college phrase) in the background gawking at them and, further in the background, the DJ spinning away. Didn’t see any racing forms in hand in that crowd.

These kind of parties can spring up anywhere. Here in the NYC area we’ve got old, dilapidated, drained public swimming pools as reason enough to get together for a drink and gawk at women.

I used to think that what CD did with “after dark” a no brainer from a marketing stand point. A total win/win. As I get older, I’m not quite so sure.

I’m not going to pretend to walk in a woman’s shoes. I get into arguments like this thread here all time among my female contemporaries who have a much keener ear for some of the silly things men say. I can’t defend what a woman finds offensive despite what I *might* consider to be a misinterpretation of intent. There’s no point in trying.

Women in racing is an interesting topic but even more interesting to me is men’s reaction to women in racing. As a somewhat/sometimes single dude, the last place I’m looking for the “ambiance” to interact with the opposite sex is at the track.

Many summer afternoons have been spent on Monmouth’s lawns to make me believe that despite the presence of the “aesthetic” female, most dudes feel the same … but that will not stop them from looking and gawking.