Gender politics

At the university, one is taught to expect a slightly higher level of consciousness informing the way people negotiate their social interactions. Especially in the Humanities, so much of our research as graduate students is focused on equity and social justice. Yet my male peers unapologetically retain their position of privilege and seem to unknowingly replay the gender norms we've been taught to critically deconstruct. Even when they attempt to point out gender inequities in social relations among peers, they remain unable to see the way they are themselves just as implicated in this process.

I'm constantly placed in the position of Girl Friday. When I step out of
my expected role--support--I'm "disciplined."

Why are men, even highly educated men, still so unable to perceive their own complacency in a system that continues to support their privilege on the backs of women?