Botticelli, Rubens, Raphael: "The Three Graces" and the SI cover

[malthaussen]

21. But what if women and men really are "other" to one another?

Not "less than," that is absurd. But I occasionally play with the idea that there are in fact some biological or genetic differences that cast males and females into separate camps. The competition for alpha-status in the herd, for example, might well be different based on different instinctive assessments of "strength." Such distinction might even be necessary to ensure survival of the gene-pool. If I could actually formulate a coherent theory out of the idea, it might help explain why humans seem to be so wedded to the separation.

I have hopes that those of the rising generation who are not children of privilege are formulating a more equitable relation, but even if so, the children of privilege still rule the world and control the media, and thus define the discourse. And they have a vested interest in perpetuating the status quo. Thus it appears to me that a radical reworking of society is going to be required before there is any hope of anything approaching true equality in the "hearts and minds" of mankind. Legally the outlook is better, but eternal vigilance is necessary to counter the counter-revolution.

-- Mal