“A person is born: Qunari, or human, or elven, or dwarf. He doesn’t chose that. Or the size of his hands, or if he is clever or foolish, the land he comes from, the color of his hair. These are beyond his control. We do not choose, we simply are.”
Sten - Dragon Age.
So what, I'm supposed to accept that Gender is the fucking exception to the the rule of "we do not choose" from the get-go?
Hell, Gaider himself described them as "militant Islamic Borg". Thing is, they had to change that due to changing political times. Hence, a RETCON.
edit - another quote from Sten to hammer in the point.
“Women are priests, artists, and shopkeepers, or farmers. They don’t fight. Why would women ever wish to be men. That makes no sense.”
Sten - Dragon Age.
As for my comment on cognitive dissonance, yes it does explain what happens.
Cognitive dissonance is, in oversimplified terms, purposely ignoring information that directly challenges your worldview because that would shake the core of your identity.
Sten - doesn't think women can fight.
FW - Imma woman who can fight, proving you wrong.
Sten - no, I was taught women can't fight so it's easier for me to think you're a man and nothing you say can make me think otherwise.