With respect, I disagree.
He thinks romance is an annoying distraction, but Sherlock is far too intelligent to harbor outdated views that women themselves are distractions. He'd be fully aware of all of the cognitive research that has proven that women's brains are not inherently inferior to men's, and that effective education can all but eliminate any alleged inborn differences.
Put simply, Sherlock is not one to make lazy assumptions, particularly not lazy assumptions based on outdated Victorian "science."
Adhering to an erroneous view of all women as distractions would be, in its own way, a form of sentiment, which he recognizes is a weakness.
Well, that's a good take on it too. I was careful not to say that Sherlock found women inferior, however; I don't think he does. He just seems to think of them as off limits because they will interfere with his work. And a lot of modern men still have trouble seeing women as "just people" -- they still see gender first, and are simply more comfortable around other men. It doesn't necessarily mean bias, and it's certainly not exclusive to men. But it IS a little old-fashioned, no?
His attitude is really rather gentlemanly ... which is also rather old-fashioned!
Hey Arcadia,
There is indeed something old-fashioned about Sherlock -- particularly how he dresses. I can't imagine seeing him in trackies! Or spandex! It just wouldn't be Sherlock.
But what I also enjoy about the latest iteration of Sherlock is how artfully it's been updated. No cobblestone streets and hansom cabs, but the Tube and the Gherkin. A cell-phone addicted Sherlock who knows where a good Chinese restaurant or fish & chips place are. I think it's rubbed off nicely on Sherlock's character, too. He's true to the ACD original, but has been polished up a bit so he fits in the 21st century.
I'm really biting my lip here about the gentlemanly bit....okay....I'll concede that he has his gallant moments...but he's also an arse (and has described himself in like terms). :D
Cheers!