DU is a microcosm of the real world in this respect. I agree that it is disappointing to see so much sexism tolerated and even promoted on DU when many DUers are a little more sensitive to the rights of some other minorities. But it's really all the same thing. Take somebody who is defending sexist language. Even if they seem to deplore other forms of bigotry, scratch the surface and you will find that that person's actual commitment to human rights probably doesn't extend much beyond lip service.
As in the real world, people who believe in human rights don't discriminate. They believe in the rights of all humans.
I will say that many people can learn. Over the years I've had a fair number of battles over gay rights and insensitive posts about same on DU. Some of the posters who did not get it now do. Some of them have turned out to be the most strong, stalwart, regular supporters of gay rights on DU. So people do read what we say and they think about it and people's minds are changed.
So I guess the strategy is to be persistent in replying to comments like the ones you posted in your OP. Explain why they are wrong. Try not to get angry and get your posts hidden. Try not to alienate people. But be persistent, logical, kind, thoughtful. All those things I'm not very good at doing! lol!
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