There are some commercials on the radio recently that have got me thinking. Three or four different products are using the basic theme that men are dumb - only interested in power tools, big trucks, and scantily clad women. They're attaching this image to their product enthusiastically.

At first, I laughed at these commercials because they do have a humorous take on the male psyche, which I don't pretend to understand. But then I got to thinking. Do men laugh at these commercials? Do they realize they're being insulted? Are these ads really aimed at getting the attention of women?

If similar ads were made about women - with all the stereotypes involved there - I don't think I would laugh. In fact, I think some of the more enthusiastic feminists I know would start picketing. Women are fickle. They drive badly. They can never succeed on their own in the world. These are not things that would endear me to a company selling me soap or something.

Then again - am I being over sensitive? (something women are also stereotyped into....) Ah, the politics of sexual politics.