Feb 17, 2013

38 The Never Ending Debate "Can a Woman do anything a Man Can"

My first reaction: roll my eyes in exasperation because it begs the question: “what does person’s ability and aptitude has to do with gender?” My second thought? ‘ who is the Einstein to assume that all women want to do what men can do?’
Biologically speaking there are definite differences that prevents some things, i.e. “a woman’s ability to carry & birth a child” and the innate functions that comes along with having a womb but that’s where it stops. The rest is about character, making up one’s own mind, setting one’s own standards, limits, boundaries, exploring one’s own limits and lighting one’s own Fire etcetera, etcetera, etcetera  but hey that’s just my prospective on the situation.
Some of course would passionately disagree with me, so what, you know what they say, “Opinions are likes assholes, and everybody got one”. It’s all good though, what is life without a good debate, especially one that gets the juices flowing, the mind racing and the blood speeding through the veins at lightening haste to match the passionate responses. 
Sometimes I enjoy playing wallflower...
Privy to a heated discussion on the incessant debate "Can a Woman do anything a Man Can", I listened avidly to the heated exchange as opinions ricocheted through the room. Revelling in the hills and valleys, the somewhat unexpected diversions prompted by what seemed like someone’s triggered memory due to an opinion which naturally propelled into a story of “I remembered when, or man you don’t know, or my wife use to” only to amazingly the conversation magically boomerang back to the topic into a tumultuous exchange.  People are quite animated when they are discussing something they are passionate about. It is fascinating to see, sometimes I don’t always want to participate but rather enjoy the roll of spectator.  This particular evening I was the spectator, watching, listening, and enjoying the different perspectives flying about the room.
…. A snippet of the debate
§  The men contends that there are some things a man can do that a woman cannot among which (wait for it) they used “standing up and peeing” as an example followed by “women should know there place” in the kitchen and not the work force in traditionally exclusive men’s work. The conclusion: “women should stop trying to be like men.” I waited with baited breath. I did not have to wait long.
§ While some women were quiet, the majority were not, those words were like throwing gasoline on fire for as the women raised their voices in the debate. Some stood arms akimbo as they content that, there is nothing a man can do that a woman cannot including peeing standing up. There were crued comments by some men asking for proof of women standing and peeing however they were cut off as the women further argued that if women were not employed or engaged in “jobs traditionally designated to men,” its simply because they elected to not do so and it is not a matter of gender  or incompetence but rather a matter of choice. To my listening delight the women  also told the men that they, “love being women and had no designs on appropriating men’s penises as they rather enjoyed it and preferred the penises where they were.” The room became silent. The men had no rebuttal.  I just laughed to myself and left my place of observation.
 What do you think?
1.       Do you agree that there are some things men can do that a women cannot?
2.       If you agree, what kinds of things do you think men can do that women cannot?
3.       Is it as the women stated, simply a matter of choice and not gender?
Feel free to express yourself. Let loose the fire...lol, lol, lol....lol

38 comments:

  1. For me this is not a gender issue, as your prompt implies, but fairness, equality and respect for all human beings on the planet.Have a swell day Mr. Nemo

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    1. I so agree, we waste so must time one up each other on the gender wheel in some lame attempt to satisfy some asinine notion of superiorness

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  2. comparing women and men is like comparing cats and dogs… does the cat want to be like the dog? why would it? is the dog better than the cat, something the cat looks up to? why is the question always ‘can women do anything men can do?’… are men able to do more than women? why not ask ‘can men do anything women can do… ?’ – they can’t… men and women are different and are capable of doing different things(biologically), thus creating different roles…though none are better or more important than the other… for example women can give birth and men cannot, but we never hear men complaining about that as an injustice to them… peeing standing up is not important on the grand scheme of things and besides it led to men having to pee beside eachother in urinals and women get the privacy of a cubicle…therefore i would not agree that peeing standing up is a benefit…as far as intellect goes, i think that has nothing to do with gender but more with genetics, education, and motivation/drive…although i do believe we are living in a man’s world and women have to work twice as hard to achieve as much as a man and will never gain the respect that a man has doing the same job…men consider strong, independant, business-minded women bitchy or menstruating… and all other women are considered nothing more than tits and ass… and the women who strip, hook, act like airheads, and pose half naked on magazine covers make it no easier for women who are trying to get ahead respectfully in life… i cannot even walk to the subway without some stupid construction workers hollering and yelping at me when i walk by… that really pisses me off… there is no respect for women anymore and if anything i would have to say women put up with a lot more shit than men do…(pregnancy, birth, menstruation, menopause, the pressure of balancing children and a career(since women who choose career over procreation are called selfish), keeping our heads above water in a male-dominated society, and last but not least…we have to put up with men!) which makes us emotionally, physically, and mentally stronger … therefore i take offense to the question ‘can women do the same things men can do’ …that would be going backwards…women stopped doing what men can do the day we hit puberty…we have, from then on, surpassed male capabilities and can do a hell of a lot more than men can do… men are the ones who should be asking why they were given the short end of the biological stick, not women.

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    1. wow Koukla...you have a lot to say and made some very admirable points. Thanks for that!

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  3. and here’s a little article i found fitting for your discussion…"God, I have a problem.""What’s the problem, Eve?""I know that you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals, as well as that hilarious comedic snake, but I’m just not happy.""And why is that Eve?""God, I am lonely and bored, and I’m sick to death of apples!""Well, Eve, in that case, I have a solution. I shall create a man for you.""Man? What is that, God?""A flawed, base creature, with many bad traits. He’ll lie, cheat and be vain. He will be witless and will revel in childish things. He’ll be bigger than you and will like fighting, hunting and killing things. He won’t be too smart, so he will need your advice to think properly. He will have a very limited emotional capacity and will need to be trained. He will look silly when he is aroused, but since you’ve been complaining, I’ll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs. And you most certainly will never be bored again!""Sounds great," says Eve, with ironically raised eyebrows, "but what’s the catch, God?""Well…you can have him on one condition.""And what’s that God?""As I said, he’ll be proud, arrogant and self-admiring…so you’ll have to let him believe I made him first. And it will have to be our little secret. You know, woman to woman."

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    1. LMFAO....
      oK thanks for the laughter, it soothed my soul this evening. You are a delight with a great sense of humor.

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  4. In Mi’kmaw culture and language there is no translation for the English words he or she. Everyone is considered as much a human being as the other. No more and no less significant due to gender alone. Try to speak without assigning gender and you will find yourself gaining a completely new and very different perspective.

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    1. Ah ...a world without the gender construct, hmmm it would certainly make a great case study and as you suggest, open ones perspective. It definitely broaden the scope of ones knowing that's for sure.

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  5. …wait…us men are PROUD of peeing whilst standing up…IN WHAT WAY IS THAT KEY TO HUMAN EVOLUTION~! >_< gawd… what is wrong with people….now birth giving, well dur we need that, if men could do that… well… that’d be useful to the evolution on this planetkthxbai,C2

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    1. haha....
      I have to interject and say that while men are not able to give birth per say, they are a significant component to the process of helping to create life and rearing that life once it enters the world....and that is useful to evolution! :-D

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  6. Let’s put it this way. If we speak in generalities, then yes I would say anything requiring considerble physical strength would generally not be equalled by women – key word GENERALLY! As we all know, there are some men that could not compete with the physical strength of some women (example: female weight lifter will always out-strength your average man).That being said, there are things only women can do – all women – and men can’t do – all men. Example: Child bearing, nurturing, COMMUNICATION!! Some men are pretty good at communication, but could NEVER compete with women.Also, it would be wise to remember that ALL jobs were traditionally considered men’s jobs at one time, including secretaries! So, not only is it a matter of choice, but more to the point, it is a matter of opportunity. Oh, and another thing women can do better than men? Adapt! Hence, the "never ending debate". I say, "Men. Deal with it! Not only can we match you in everything, we can and do surpass you in most things. Are you feeling threatened? Well, then, pull your socks up and get with the program!!" :0)

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    1. ooops there it is!
      Why can't we just enjoy each others strengths and appreciate each others uniqueness?

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  7. GGGRRRRRRR !!!! I am a strong independent women and know many like myself! That being said… I have no intention of peeing standing up( I’m sure at some point i tried it apparently it didn't work because i choose to sit down ), however i haven’t found anything else that a man can do that i can’t. Exceptions are made for PEOPLE who specialize, which doesn't necessarily mean its a man. I have worked many a labor job busting my ass twice as hard to prove that not only was i just as tough , but tougher, you need to earn respect and boy did i ever. Let me tell you its pretty funny when you see grown men scrambling around trying to keep up with a girl. LOL. They loved it, great bunch of guys by the way. God those days were entertaining. Any ways enough about me. hehe. THE FACT IS THAT WE ALL HAVE STRENGTHS, and that's not gender specific. It is all about choices and circumstance. What is important at that time in our lives.To me its important to live my life the best i can and do what i have to do, to achieve that. Apparently for some men it’s important to try and prove their manliness(how hot) by saying we’re not capable of the marvelous feats they've reached ( can you hear my dripping sarcasm?), for those golden few, i say this " the only thing you’re proving is that you’re insecure with your own masculinity’ and guess what … we don’t want to hear your pathetic attempts at superiority. It only makes us embarrassed for you. And this is one womens opinion.

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  8. I agree with the early commenter ... comparing men and women is tantamount to comparing cats with dogs or apples with oranges. In the latter, both are fruit but they are absolutely not the same. But to answer your question, she can't do whatever he can do . . . jeesh, why would she want to? Nor can he do whatever she can do . . . that is what makes us unique. However, if you're talking about pure gender equality, ie. on the white collar job . . . of course, she can do everything he can do.

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  9. I have only two points to make. Men & women were never intended to be the same. They are different biologically and hence women can never functionally be equal to man. Why should they be. Intellectually women can be as smart,intelligent or skilful as men.But when it comes to physical activity like sports involving strength & stamina women can seldom out do men - say in athletics, equestrian,aquatics,tennis,badminton,rowing, hockey,cricket,rugby & so on. Even in racing like in Formula One which involves more skill than strength - where are the women champs ? Or in games like chess which is more a mind game we don't see women champions. So when it comes to sports women have to be satisfied with being second. Face the facts ladies :)

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    1. hmmmmmmmm.....interesting prospective Ramakrishnan, it would be interesting to witness you hold your own in a room full of women on the subject of athleticism and intelligence.

      Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Limitations are simply in the head. The "I can't" spirit is in everyone , we just shouldn't allow it take the centre stage in our lives.

    I love the fact that am female, I love beign take care of, I love having an "alpha male" in my life.

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  11. Each individual has his/her gift/talents. Comparing one another is just silly. Men are made for certain things, women are also made for certain things. As long as we are able to figure out what those things are, there's really no need to argue/debate.

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    1. Ah such wisdom for a young woman, your knowledge is flowering nicely. Thank you for sharing.

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  12. Ok! Let the fire loose ehn Rhapsody?...This is a sensitive topic sha!..ahahaha...well, my opinion on it is that: It's not everything a man can do, a woman can do! And vice versa. We all ahve our role to play, as long as we work as a team,all is well. For example;I had cause to carry my deep freezer upstairs..2 of us could not lift it...had to call a male neighbour who assited us...when it comes to moving heavy items..we need a man's strength.,,afterall, a rib was taken from theirs to create us..so they have so many left..ehehehee.

    Em

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    1. "Not everything a man can do, a woman can do & vicey versa" true statement.

      thanks for that.

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  13. This is a hot button issue. I have a woman friend of mine who is a carpenter. I've never seen her work but she's been doing it for almost 30 years. This question brings out the neanderthals and harpies. Each gender has it's limitations and strong suits. Though I have not read the rest of the comments I'm sure this has been stated already one way or another.
    Hey Danika Patrick has just won the pole position at the Daytona 500.

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    1. true enough...
      thank you for contributing.
      stay blessed.

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  14. I can't paste my comment with my phone so I'll be back to weigh in.

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  15. The role of men and women in this world just does not mix and now I am not talking about professions...I think we fail to really understand our different roles in this world which is why there is always the gender clash.

    As in the case of women not taking up some profession, I believe it is a matter of choice and not incompetence.

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    1. hmmmmmm.....I would love you to expound on your first paragraph, to see your reasoning.

      choice not incompetence - i agree

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  16. If she can't? Man can do all new thing and if lady can do to men but not from women.
    Child bearing nurturing communication some men are pretty good at communication but could never compete with women Also, it would be wish to remember that all sobs where traditionally considered men's job at one time. including secretaries!
    So not only is it a matter of choice, but more to the point,
    It is a matter of opportunity, another thing woman can do better then men!
    Adapt hence, the never ending debate we can and do surpass you in most things.
    I think understand more people are not the rest of the comments.

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    1. hmmmmmm.....astute reasoning....
      thanks for bring it forward.

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  17. I think that physical strength is generally on a man's side. Generally... Otherwise, whatever they can do, we can do...

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  18. Interesting topic. This has been the topic of debates for so long and in my opinion, it is much ado about nothing. Men and women were created with differences which some contributors have enumerated, so I will not flog the point. Those differences are not meant to infer that one gender is superior to the other. They are meant to complement in a harmonious way. What I cannot do, the man can, and what he cannot do, I step in with my own unique strengths and abilities to do it. There's no way I will want to break my back just to prove an unnecessary point. I'd rather focus on the things I can do well, and continuously aim for self improvement in those areas. I enjoy the complementary relationship my husband and I share, for instance, and I am not interested in proving anything. At the end of the day, what difference does it make to the price of fish in the market, if the man can pee standing up, and I can't? We need each other.

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    1. that we do, we absolutely need each other if only we would let go of our collective egos and realize that we are a complement one to the other.

      thank you for sharing you point of view, it is enlightening.

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  19. I can't think of anything a man can do that a woman can't do. The strongest man may be stronger than the strongest woman, but the strongest woman is probably stronger than the average man.

    However, while I don't believe our sex ties us to specific traits I do think that certain traits or abilities are more common to one of the sexes. I think equality should be more about recognising the worth of those traits more common in women, rather than thinking women have to do everything that men do in order to be considered equal.

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    1. hmmmmmm very well articulated perspective, thank you for sharing.

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