Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 17, 2004
Like-Minded Women
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 17, 2004 – Girl, gal, chick, babe, broad, female, goddess . . . woman! We make up over fifty percent of the earth’s population and we are the greatest under-rated asset in the world. In some countries our very existence is deemed to be like a pestilence – we are chattel, we have no rights, we are subservient, we can be bought – sold and traded, we can be killed.
To be born female may be a death sentence. In other cultures we are loved, respected, looked up to, making great strides in the pursuit of true equality, involved in the political and economic process and well educated – yet we can still be seen as a threat to the ever-present male culture.
Even the words “fe” male and “wo” man connect us inexorably to the male of the species. Isn’t it interesting that we haven’t claimed our own dominion? A small point perhaps, but one of which to be aware. Not only are women under-rated by nations and societies, we participate in our own subservience. Men, the world over are thrilled by our compliance.
This is a generalization, but overall, men get to make the decisions – establish or change the laws and justice system, define the cultural norms and mores, ask women for a date, define the political climate of a country, go to war, decide they want to get married, ask their partners to change their name and become a wife – in short – men are in control.
If we take a good look around the globe at the condition of the political, educational, economic, legal and environmental processes – MEN aren’t doing such a good job! Please don’t jump to conclusions here – this is not a cry to arms for male bashing – merely an observation. Men, the world over can be and are, loving, kind, aware, creative and powerful. They’re also kind, generous, funny and devoted to the betterment of human life. I like men – but I also recognize that men can be domineering and brutal.
This is not to say that women are without fault. If men and women could come together as equals as human evolution progresses, there would be no end to what they could achieve. A blending of the strength, intelligence, courage and determination of men with the soft, nurturing, giving and protective souls of women would be an indomitable combination.
I particularly like Carl Jung’s measure of human contact:
“The meeting of two personalities,
Is like the contact of two chemical substances,
If there is a reaction, both are transformed.
Women the world over are so like-minded. Our differences are obvious, our similarities are in-born and magnificent. It is time for us to stand up for ourselves, and especially for our sisters who are in servitude. Find your voice, speak your mind, don’t be afraid to make a mistake, it’s okay if everyone doesn’t like you, it’s alright to be strong and determined without surrendering your gentleness. It’s gratifying to be successful and intelligent, funny, outrageous and rich. It’s amazing to be female.
Make a pact with yourself, sign a personal contract if you like, but declare to the world that you are a woman. Remember Helen Reddy’s tremendous song – “I am woman hear me roar”. Take little steps every day towards claiming your true identity. Get involved with your life and the lives of other women. Be a sister … be a warrior … be a goddess … be fearless … be a leader and a pioneer … but above all, be grateful for the remarkable things that are inherent in being a woman!
Get together with your female friends and see what a difference you can make in your own lives and in the lives of others less fortunate. If you could only imagine the depth of your strength – if you would only believe in the light in your soul. Nothing can keep you down if you choose otherwise. It may not be in my lifetime – but women are going to change to course of history, and in so doing, change the world!
