between racial and gender issues. People are people regardless of skin color. Men and Women are both 'equal' people, but let's face it, we're wired differently. I think that can be both a blessing and a curse, a strength and a weakness, and should probably be visited on a person by person basis when considering partnerships. A good partnership is very much like a marriage, and in fact, becomes something of a 'second marriage' if it's truly put together correctly.
I don't know about NYCFD, havent looked at it, but have seen 'the good old boy' network at work down south my whole life. It sucks. But I've also heard/seen women be just as narrow minded and 'clicquish'. I've seen African Americans be just as prejudiced and isolationist as Caucasian Americans. It's not exclusive.
It's hard to build a Team or Unit's cohesivness and interdependibility. It's a subtle dance and balancing act.