Apple Highlights Women's Entrepreneur Camp, Applications for 2020 Session Open Until November 15

Aren’t gender specific events like this a step in the wrong direction when it comes to equality? If this were a male only event it would probably create a very large problem.

No one is punishing you. The fact that you view it as punishment just reveals your privilege. You're upset because you feel like you no longer have the advantages you've had for millennia. The playing field is finally being made level and you interpret that as punishment. "Resentment will come, and as was seen in 1870 it will linger until it becomes violent." That's what has begun to happen. Women resent the fact that they've been blindly discriminated against forever. They're finally demanding that something be done about it, and now you guys are crying about your lost privilege.

I don't care whether you take me seriously. You guys are blind to the fact that removing your privilege is not discrimination. You see it as punishment. Why would I ever think that you would be able to see another point of view. I don't expect you to suddenly see the leg up you've had (and continue to have) for your entire life because someone online points it out to you. You've denied it forever. You're not going to admit it now.

Wow, you poor men. I feel so bad for you . . . now you know what it's felt like to be a woman for eternity. This is a step in the right direction to make up for millennia of discrimination. I think you'll be OK because there are a bajillion other opportunities out there for you. I love when privileged males complain about perceived discrimination only when it's happening to them. Grow a pair!

Where were all you guys when women were (and continue to be) openly discriminated against?

I'm actually a strong advocate for women's equality.

My heart breaks for you. I knew there would be some guys on here who would site instances when women got something because they were women (never mind the fact that overwhelmingly, the advantage is found in being a male). I knew there would be guys who cried over the fact that women sometimes get free drinks at bars (never mind the fact that those same women are judged almost exclusively based on their appearance, or that some men feel that buying a drink entitles them to something more). I knew there would be men who complained about the fact that affirmative action is necessary to give women equal representation in every level of the work force (never mind the fact that even today, women do not get equal pay for equal work).

Yes, I do have actual privilege. I try to recognize it, but it is difficult. Normally we take our privilege for granted until it's challenged. Not all men are born into luxury and ease. That's correct, but men with access to the internet who are likely using Apple products are comparatively leading a life of luxury and ease. Virtually, every man has ease when compared to women. Don't respond with examples where you're the exception. There will always be exceptions. The overall description remains accurate and undeniable.

I hope you also see the irony in attacking my tone and assumptions and then proceeding to call me foolish, naive, and ignorant.

This event is not discriminatory. It's an attempt to make up for years of excluding women. I'll be fine because I've got a ton of opportunities that remain open to me. Where were all you guys when women were (and continue to be) openly discriminated against? You never cared about discrimination until you felt like it impacted you. How does that prove your point? This is not discrimination because men are a privileged class. You think it is discrimination because you are feeling pain over losing some of your privilege.

Honestly, I'm disturbed by how many men find this threatening. You've lived your life with the privilege of being a man. You've denied that it was a privilege, but now that that that privilege is being threatened you're upset. It's as simple as that. Don't make it more complicated than it is. None of you would have been willing to switch places with a woman in the professional world because they have been discriminated against their whole lives. Are you really arguing this? You had male only entrepreneur camps forever, on the golf course, in the locker room, at the bar. If women finally have a more formalized version, it' won't begin to hurt you. Recognize your privilege.