A visit from the goon squad

Sexism has been an ongoing issue since man has existed. Some have learned to accept and live with it while others simply will not accept it. Sexism fits into two different types of categories: Benevolent sexism and hostile sexism. In the novel A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan, many of the characters are sexist towards women.Lou portrays both benevolent and hostile sexism while Bennie tends to portray hostile sexism only. Throughout the novel, Lou goes back and forth on how he treats women and his opinion on women. From the beginning of the novel, it is clear that sexism is an issue. Bennie is the first character that we see a clear sexist approach from. “The Mother Superior leaned forward slightly, tilting her head in a way that must have triggered something in Bennie. He lurched across the sill and kissed her on the mouth.” (Page 20). Even though Bennie knew it was wrong, he kissed Mother Superior. She is a woman who is respected by all but Bennie believes that he could kiss her because he was the man and felt superior towards her. This is simply wrong in the fact that Mother Superior had devoted her entire life to celibacy but Bennie could not simply respect that. Bennie also shows his sexist side while communicating with his assistant, Sasha. “He sipped his gold-infected coffee and glared at Sasha’s breast.” (Page 22). In society, it is considered incredibly rude to stare at a woman’s breasts instead of making eye contacts with her. Bennie could simply avoid her breasts and just stare at Sasha herself but he chooses not to. Later on in the same chapter Bennie realizes how much Sasha has grown. “She seemed suddenly older, or was it just that Bennie seldom looked directly at her face?” (Page 28). This shows Bennie’s ignorance on how he has not noticed Sasha’s growth because he usually looks at her breasts or does not pay attention at all. This is degrading towards women because Bennie believes it is okay to directly