Sexism

     Sexism in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is very prevalent. This is easily shown in the scene where Plautus and Hero are at the house of the courtesans. Each woman is clad scantily and made to show off to her potential male buyer. Lycus quite casually refers to them as property, saying things along the lines of not touching or damaging the "merchandise". This view is further carried out through different ideals present, such as a woman being worth more as a virgin or a female slave being worth more if she is fertile.

     The songs "Lovely" and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" also demonstrate sexism in the film. "Lovely" delivers the message that even if a woman has no other skills, all that matters is that she is beautiful. The second song further demonstrates the view of women being property and effectively sexual game for their masters.

     There are still many sexist trends and practices going on in today's society, toward both women and men. However, compared to the issues of the past, sexism today is not at all present to the same degree, at least in the United States. The sexes have gradually become more equal and this trend will likely continue.