by Mac on Mon Apr 14, 2008 4:16 pm
Our society places too many stereotypes and biases on individual swxuality. We go to extremes to separate and differentiate the sexes for no real purpose. No other species does this. Here is an interesting article which I found elsewhere on the net. I think that the ideas in it have a lot of merit.
Gender Equality
IN THE BEGINNING: The human male and female were created equal (like the other creatures) with no sexual inhibitions or hidden secrets. We were at peace and in harmony with God, the universe and each other. Gender issues, as we know them today, did not exist. Then, we created many artificial differences that resulted in unnatural problems, secrecy and gender tensions.
CLOTHING: We first created clothing, not to protect us from the elements but to hide our physical differences from each other. This resulted in stereotyped female and male clothing to further disguise and promote our differences. It created unnatural secrecy, curiosity and tensions between female and male. What a giant step backward!
Today, the clothing trend is starting to reverse. It is now acceptable for the female to wear all traditional male styled clothing. However, there is still a real bias against the male wearing any traditional female styled clothing (skirts, dresses, blouses, underwear, lacy and frilly items).
RESTROOMS: Next, we created an unnatural secrecy around basic bodily functions by establishing separate restrooms for female and male users and implementing different levels of secrecy for both. The female was always provided private stalls with 6-foot walls and doors. However, the male was given open urinals and inadequate stalls. Male stalls were either non-existent or had only 4-foot walls (sometimes without doors). This secrecy only promoted unnatural curiosity and perversion.
Today, due to long lines, females frequently use male restrooms. However, the male is still prohibited from using the female restroom unless he can pass as a female. The family restroom addresses some aspects of this bias by permitting opposite gender assistance for children, elderly and handicapped. However, true unisex use is prohibited (even for married adults).
BATH, DRESSING, & SPORTS: When the concept of a bath was established, we again created separate facilities for the female and male. Heaven forbid they should see each other without clothes. We provided privacy curtains for the female, but not the male, in dressing and shower areas. Why the difference? We even added basic health and fitness as secret and forbidden differences by creating separate exercise and recreational facilities. Why so much secrecy?
OTHER GENDER BIAS: We continued these exclusions and differences to all areas of human life: employment, sports, recreation, family life, and etcetera. Fortunately, some of these biases are now being eliminated. However, the rate of change is much too slow.
CONCLUSIONS: We must establish true gender equality for everyone. Making all clothing acceptable for both sexes will abolish one stereotype. True unisex restrooms with adequate stalls for privacy will eliminate another bias and provide additional security for both female and male users. Bath and dressing facilities must be designed for unisex usage and individual privacy. Sports, health and recreation facilities must offer shared usage for both female and male users. Gender biases must also be eliminated from employment and all other social areas of our life.
