We all grew up in the same environnment. For as long as I can remember that environnment included the idea that men were not just fathers but also leaders. They took the lead, women followed.
I know that the world has supposedly changed and some women have proven themselves to be leaders, but I really don't think all that much has changed for many people, not in their hearts at least.
I was reminded of this recently when someone on this board said to me that I should calm down, in effect not be so emotional. This is a learned behavior, men are taught to think that women are "emotional" and easily upset. This really has become a "racial slur" in my opinion. Why? Because it is primarily said of women, to be critical of women!
Men can be VERY emotional! They can fly off on some tirade or down right fits of anger causing the rest of the family to run for cover! Some men will break out in a fight at a local bar, they will punch one another, stab one another, kill one another! Also when playing sports male players many times exhibit uncontrolled anger. Emotion, emotion running wild!
Yet men are by rote, (the same rote taught little girls) taught that they are the stable strong "land" of our civilization. Women, are the ever changing "ocean". Not so!
I believe what the world needs is more of the feminine emotion which many times is so ridiculed or down played. Women fear for their children, for many, their children come first and to have their sons or their daughters blown to pieces over some politicians whim is not acceptable. Most women are devoid of the "machismo" that is really a curse and a deterrent to peace in the world.
Many personal relationships between men and women have changed but the "leadership" roles in society or even on discussion boards such as this one are primarily male. The "why" of that is, in part, upbringing. Women have been trained to look to men for leadership, like a plant that has learned to turn to the light. It is this training which must be changed!
Men need women, they need the balance that women provide. Life is people, people, people. Life is children, parents, lovers, sisters, brothers and the love we can nourish with them. Women are more inclined to think "people" than men. Men need to let women be not just equal partners in marriage and business but also in leadership roles. In general, women can provide a humaneness to leadership, a recognition of the individual.
Women must learn that the "light" they have been trained to turn to is in effect just a lamp not the "Sun"! The "Sun" is the co-operative leadership of men and women in a world which sorely needs all of us!
The earth does need "land and ocean".
LInda
Edited by - IslandWoman on 11 June 2002 18:47:20