In the 1960s, when this stage of Women’s Rights began, I really believed that equality was achievable. I really believed that it would be different.
I went on many marches, attended many rallies, joined many organisations, and went to ‘consciousness raising’ seminars.
I recall at one the discussion turned to how women tear down other women. I recall clearly understanding how women are used against other women.
I remember there was a woman, a Republican, who fought against women’s rights and thought her Party would honour her, and how, when she wanted to be the Chair of the convention she was laughed at by the same men she had elevated.
To me, this was a life lesson. It became the subject of many discussions. How a woman who worked so hard to attack other women was kicked to the pavement by the men she had sold herself to.
I learned that either help another woman and if I can’t support her, just move to the back of the room and be quiet.
I thought every woman had learned it, had realised that men use women as tools against other women. That one woman will be ‘elevated’ and become a dagger to be plunged into the chest of all other women, and when she no longer has use, she’ll be tossed out as garbage.
As a feminist I worked hard to get ahead on my own. Although sleeping the way up the ladder was how it was done, I would not. So I never got up the ladder. All the females who reached the top did it on their backs or rode Daddy’s back.
In my country, if you have to apply for a job, you won’t get it. Jobs at the top are only given to bed partners, to blood relatives, and to people, or their children, owed money or a favour. The ‘best’ candidate does not get the post.
But in other countries I’ve watched women fight against another woman with such ferocity it is almost funny. I’ve seen them work so hard to get a man into power, a man who looks at them as potting soil. But they don’t realise it. To them being a woman means they are second best, unless it comes to changing nappies or getting stains out of a shirt.
Women are virtually exactly where they were in 1959.
What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More
In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More
De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More
The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More
The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More
As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More
View Comments
You may think me a simpleton for saying this but I don't really concern myself with being accepted as an “equal” by anybody in this life. I know God made us all and in His eyes we are equal and will be judged by Him fairly and without respect as to our gender. So whatever my hands find to do in this life, I do it! I like the way my friend and fellow home biz Sonia Colon put it: “Don't let what you can't do, interfere with what you can do.”
Sure! Discrimination and inequality sucks! But count each day you accomplish anything you set out to do a success. Hey! God could have hindered you from achieving your goal. But instead He gave you the tools and the talent and opened a door for you! When God opens a door, no man close it. (Rev 3:8)
Yes I know. I am a syrupy sweet unrealistic idealistic dreaming idiot! But I like me that way! :)
no. It's like going to South Africa and telling people they should be happy with Apartheid or to the slave plantation and tell them how their slavery was 'ordained'.
Oh I wasn't saying to be happy and satisfied with oppression, discrimination, inequality or anything that's wrong. I was saying OVERCOME.
You can only overcome if you have the mind to recognize what you can do versus what you can't. You can make it your mission in life to fight gender inequality. Many women have. But as you say the “inequality” still exists. To hear you talk about where you live, i.e. Jamaica. You've got a much bigger problem than gender inequality. In your case, the government corruption is what needs to be tackled. Because it seems like everybody is unequal: male or female.
By the way, slavery was never “ordained” if you use that word to indicate “Divine approval”. That's just a plain old lie. There are three Divine institutions: marriage, family and the “called out” who respond to the gospel message Jesus preached. The first 2 institutions were created for living a happy life in this world. Of course, mankind screwed that up! The 3rd one transcends or goes beyond this world. Mankind can't screw that up. They don't have any power. They can't even reach heaven.
Back to you. :)
Not to nitpick, but Scripture does recognise slavery and there are particular provisions for the slave who does not leave etc.
The key feature with any kind of oppression is the internalisation of inferiority.
If you notice, for example, how Trump denigrated women, yet how women voted for Trump you will view the key feature of this self oppression.
You're not nit-picking. I enjoy talking to you. You remind me of when I had passion and thought there something I could do in this life to make a difference.
With respect to people who voted in the US presidential election, it was their individual choice. I'm not a mind reader and don't really care to know what their reasoning was. They have to live with their conscience. I don't. But all of America has to live with the voters' choice. We'll survive, if it's God's will.
With respect to human beings, they are those who believe in equality and know we are all created equal versus others who think they are superior. What is worse is some actually believe they are inferior. Sad but true. We all have our own free will. We all control our minds.
I truly believe there was a real man named Lazarus. There is no indication that he was a slave. But he was poor, the dogs licked his sores and he was living in a most pitiful state, as far as the human eye could see, and he died that way. But no matter that this life for him was most miserable, he was judged faithful when he departed, and received his reward by being granted a rest forever in a place called “Abraham's bosom”. The rich man whose name we do not know also received his just reward.
With respect to the scriptures, it is a holy book that contains enough of a record of the history of mankind to paint a clear enough picture of what humanity did to screw up a world that was good, “in the beginning”. Recognizing that slavery existed (exists) in this world and telling both the Christian master and/or the Christian slave that they are really both equal and will be judged by the same God in the next world … puts life – this short life and eternal life - in perspective. Faithful Christians are taught how to live in peace and to be content no matter what the circumstances. Why? Because this life is temporary and will be over before you know it. It's a “vapor”. It's the next life that matters.
Happy to talk to more. It will have to be later. Right now I'm getting ready for bed. :)
save girl child save a generations
Women must be empowered and must know it. They can not be so easily fooled
It is an important subject. Regarding the American elections I felt it was one of the bitterly fought and nastiest elections I have ever seen. I for one thought America will like to vote for a woman as their first president and it was the right time now in the twenty first century. We now know that was not to be. I understand the passion you feel when it comes to the above topic which is well written. I have also observed this in workplaces where the women boss tries to browbeat other women employees. I wonder what makes them do such a nasty thing to any human being be it a man or women.
But to be fair to women there have been innumerable cases of women who have come to the top with sheer grit, tenacity, determination and resolve. My salute to such women who made it despite such great odds. They are the right role model for many girl children especially. As even they can have a dream of being in such a position one day if they follow their role model's footsteps. Society is changing slowly all over the world. In Asia and in a few years you will be finding more women at the top reaching great heights which even they are entitled to.
As you noticed with your boss, self-hatred continues. The woman at the top doesn't feel she 'belongs' there and sees other women as threats. In the American election that women voted for a man who spits on them only proves that there have been no gains.