I found Rachael Larimore's comments about Yahoo's new section "Shine" to be interesting. She takes offense that the self proclaimed "women's website" would concern itself with very derivative and stereotypical women's issues and desires clothing, shopping, celebrities, etc. She indicates that she feels it should it concern itself with more important issues, such as politics, news, and social justice. Rachael also ridicules the "Cheat Sheet" section as being news cliff-notes for ditzes.

Why is there no outrage that men's websites don't concern themselves with the exact same things, news, politics etc.? Look no further than Slate's on web family of MSN and it's "Men's" section, you won't find much high minded discourse there. Its mostly what to do in bed, how to build things, and other stereotypical "guy" stuff.

Is this anymore or less sexist than yahoo's Shine?

When I want news I go to news websites, when I want recipes I go to cooking websites, and when I want carpentry tips I go this old house and its ilk. I'm guessing when most women want to find make-up tips, clothing/fashion advice, relationship advice, they go to Women's websites.

I do believe that sexism is alive and well in this country and elsewhere in the world. I was raised by a proudly feminist mother and older sister and do believe there are still fights left to be fought on that front, however it would seem that outrage at a fluff women's website's perceived sexism is misdirected. Isn't Shine just another specialization in out ever more narrow and specific world?

Thank you ~Andrew