@ Karlos
I'll refresh your memory because you seem to have forgotten or overlooked Mel's comment:
"...If I made a derogatory generalisation based on a racist cliche and appended a "smilie" it would not be OK.
So why is it ok if its a sexist cliche?..."
My response was by no means a 'diatribe.' It was a reasoned, measured comment that was suitable for Mel who has obviously seen fit to have a petty and immature reaction to a post of mine, without having the benefit of knowing anything about me or more importantly, taking it in the spirit it was intended. It was a joke, Karlos, a concept that I thought you understood. It was not intended to be derogatory.
So yes, if I go on the defensive, it is warranted. My first instinct was to tell her to take a hike. Perhaps I was too kind. I won't make that mistake again.
Nobody else complained about the joke, and I can't believe that anybody who knows me on this forum would think I was trying to take a sexist stance.
As to your comment:
"...This wee diatribe seems far more histrionic and "silly" than anybody else's remarks here..."
That's your opinion and mine is different. Mel set the tone and I responded. If you don't like it, diddums.