It’s 2014. “Gender issues” bore the hell out of me. But, then again, so do the other forms of discrimination. Honestly if you still don’t see women, gay people, black people, midgets, or anyone else as equals…you’ve got some serious problems. I’m not a doctor, but I believe the medical term for your disorder is “majoris douchebagous.”
That being said, stereotypes aren’t always the same thing as discrimination. Here’s an easy example…
“American teenagers are into cell phones and social media.”
That isn’t discrimination against teenagers. Yes, there are exceptions, but the numbers prove it to be an accurate statement on the whole. And yes, as an Indian guy, I love me some numbers!
So how does this apply to our world of miles and points?
Simple. It’s a world dominated by men. Sadly for all the socially awkward, bumbling dudes collecting points…this is painfully true. It would be nice to have more women around, but as it is, it’s pretty much a sausage fest. And, unfortunately for all the dorks, it’s impossible to redeem those miles for a hot date.
I know a lot of people in this game, and if I were to guess the numbers, I’d say it’s about 75% men/25% women. The ironic part is how much more vocal you ladies are (in a good way). I get your questions emailed daily, so I’ve been observing this for years. In contrast to so many of the sheepish guys, you are charming, articulate, and polite. But there is one stereotype I’ve observed to be true…
…In this world of miles and points, women are much bigger wusses.
(hold for defensive reaction)
(waiting patiently)
(ok, this probably isn’t going to pass)
Internal thoughts of every woman reading right now: “How could MileNerd say that?? I was totally agreeing with everything, and then he said THAT???!!??”
Here’s the thing, ladies…it’s true. Guys are simple. We just do stuff. Most of the time it’s stupid. And occasionally, things work out. We’re cool with applying for multiple credit cards, buying a bunch of gift cards, and taking what you like to call “risks.” We don’t know about things like “weighing the consequences.” Most of us are confused about what that even means. Ladies, we’re just built differently than you are.
And in this strange world of miles/points, our hairbrained scheming has worked out for us. We’ve taken big chances and reaped such huge rewards. Our AwardWallet balances are overflowing, as we dive from deal to deal. Again, I see this every single day. Thousands of emails later, I know how well the guys have been doing. On the other hand, ladies, I have seen your fear and trepidation. Your emails are full of doubts…concerns…overall wussiness. You tiptoe into the points pond, while the men cannonball in from the rocks above. Ladies, I totally get how my gender can be perceived as morons. You basically babysit us for much of the day. But in this land of miles and points, it’s time for you to do the last thing you want to do…
Man up.
