AROUND 30 years ago I witnessed an example of sexism that made my blood boil.

I was in a party being picked up by coach. When it arrived, several men within the group passed what they thought were smart remarks.

The comments were made when they entered the coach to find it was being driven by a young woman. I don’t need to repeat their words.

Despite the remarks causing few laughs among the rest of the party, one of the offenders later had another go at what he still believed was being funny.

Upon reaching our destination, the driver required to make a reversing manoeuvre. The self-styled funny man went to the front of the coach and in a loud voice asked if he should get out to guide her back.

Such assistance was clearly not needed and, as had been throughout the journey, the driver’s skills were first class as she carried out what was quite a difficult manoeuvre. I should stress this was not a mini-bus, but a full-size luxury coach.

Upon leaving the coach, I apologised to the driver on behalf of her male passengers who did not have bolts through their necks. She thanked me, adding that such comments were water off a duck’s back as far as she was concerned.

While not eradicated, I would like to think that sexism is considerably less prevalent today.

However, this week I was somewhat alarmed to learn that US researchers have come up with a new term — ‘benevolent sexism’.

My alarm was caused by the thought that yours truly and many other well-meaning males may be deemed guilty of this new classification, as opposed to ‘hostile sexism’ such as demonstrated by the aforementioned idiot on the coach.

It is claimed that some women believe they are victims of ‘benevolent sexism’ if a man holds a door open for them or offers his jacket if the female looks cold.

The General Manager refuses to accept the term ‘benevolent sexism’. She says it’s simply a matter of good manners and doing the right thing. I think she’s spot on.