Well, it's the end of Week 2 of classes. And no, I'm not behind, or feeling (totally) overwhelmed. In fact, I'm a week ahead in my reading. And I've volunteered to give a presentation next week. Yep, me who hates throwing herself out there for fear that I'll mess up or say something wrong. Prepared speeches are ok. I'm off to London tomorrow morning to spend four days with my godparents- which means four days with no serious speech prep time. So I worked all evening researching the assigned topic: Are women more peaceful than men? One woman (me!) and one man from the class are each giving 5 minute presentations on that topic next week. No women were volunteering in class, so I put myself out there. I've read four journal articles since class ended at 5pm (yep, in 3.5 hours I've been pretty productive!).
I'm one of "those" women who feels that the long-ago proposed "Equal Rights" amendment is a waste of time and energy. I don't feel women need or deserve any special treatment. I'm a smart woman, and will ensure that I'm treated fairly. I don't want or need special protection. Does that sound ignorant or elitist? I hope not (well, elitism isn't such a bad thing after all- intellect should be admired). You're probably wondering- how does this relate to the assigned topic? Well, here's how: I don't like it when people assume that because you are one thing or another that you have such-and-such capabilities. A real-life example from today: I ordered a vegetarian pizza for lunch today. Different places serve different things on veggie pizza. I had no idea what I'd get for toppings (it's late- forgive me for comparing women to pizza. But hey, it kind of works). You never know what you're gonna get. People are unique. I don't like classifications.
So, when I began reading this evening, the first article talked about how women have special abilities in peace building simply because they are capable of being mothers. And I wrote furiously in the margins- things like "is this author nuts?" and "NO! Wrong!" and "I'm OFFENDED by that!" Hahaha. Great way to start a project. Everyone is their own person, with their own values, beliefs, and upbringings. I think anyone has the capacity to succeed in whatever they try. The question remains, though- are there situations in peace building where women have an advantage? Perhaps. Should they? No way.
I'd welcome your thoughts--- are women more peaceful than men?
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2 comments:
Great topic...I think on the whole women are more peaceful than men, but when it comes to "protecting their offspring", you'll have a tiger by her tail !!!!!
I sure enjoy your blog and your energy :o)
Since I've been told that I'm scary and intimidating more than once by men (wusses), I vote for women not being genetically more peaceful. However, I do think that there is an element of socialization to it, and it's more acceptible for women to be reconcilers than for men to be. Just a thought.
PS-I got your postcard - thank you!!!! It's so pretty!
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