This is a great post that deals with a lot of issues, starting with the way men act as if they’re being attacked if they’re criticized, especially by a woman, which leads to the criticism being softened. Mandolin also points us to some rather strong evidence that the “women talk more than men” idea is complete and utter bullshit. But she lets us know how the whole stereotype got started:

Women aren’t supposed to talk, so when they talk, they’re seen as talking A LOT. Black women really aren’t supposed to talk, so when they talk, they’re seen as talking REALLY LOUDLY.