When I'm in jiu jitsu class, I often feel like Heisenberg, of uncertainty principle fame. The principle states that the act of observing a particle actually affects the particle's behavior, and that you cannot know both its position and its speed simultaneously. As the only woman in the class, except for Slippery Helen once in a while, it seems pretty clear to me that my being there alters the tenor of the room enough that I am not observing what would really be going on in a class of only guys. Also, the fact that there's a girl in the room means that their true position on matters is slightly obscured by the speed at which they adopt their girl-in-the-room persona. I'm pretty sure that this boils down to less farting on purpose, not as much use of rude words (kind of disappointing--I always appreciate the crass), and even possibly less accusations about who is gayer than whom.
It's a mixed bag, the girl-among-guys thing. And it definitely occurs in reverse, though maybe slightly differently than how it looks in some guys' minds. I know if I'm among all women I will definitely discuss things differently than if there is a man in the room; however, no pillow fighting occurs either way so guys make note of that. So I can't say I resent it or don't understand it. In fact, I'm kind of glad not to be privy to burping contests, if that's what goes on. And I don't necessarily think guys are pigs or anything, just that sometimes they really enjoy the camaraderie of a well-timed tearing of ass. I admire the freedom in that. And bonding--always good because the world is a scary place and wedgies bring people together.
Most of all it's important to note that quantum mechanics is as good a system for understanding the world as anything.
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