samuel.bowles.es

I honestly don't know how to respond. Most of what
she was saying I didn't understand anyway. I choose
not to subject myself to the mainstream (if that is
what it is) rage against men as seems to be so
prevalent in the author's world. It is sad, really,
that sex in our culture is viewed merely a devisive
tool to meet one's own selfish gratification.
Even though I do not hold this opinion, and again,
choose to avoid all that feeds into that falsehood,
it does effect me. I feel demeaned not only by a
projected male dominance and use of women as a sex
toy, but also by the portrayal of women using the
beauty of their bodies as nothing but a means to a
selfish, unsatisfying, unglorifying end. So, what
is the basis of all this? Why is sex so casual?
Perhaps the treatment of sex is a manifestaion
of the great lonliness, emptiness, and unfullfillment
suffered by so many? And we all get sucked into believing
the lie that somehow romance, or a one-night-stand with
a really hot specimin who "loves" and leaves will
fill that void. Even those who in their hearts, spirits,
and minds disagree with the lie will admit that the
pressure is there to feel "if only he would make love to me,
then I will feel whole."

The babes beating up men article made a lot of sense to me. Although it was a somewhat inconclusive observation on the state of women's psyche today, I think many of the author's perceptions are extremely important. Why is it that a woman physically assaulting and/or humiliating a man in order to make him atone for his sins an acceptable solution these days? Here in Chicago, the image of three cartoon Power-puff girls with black eyes is displayed across the sides of buses. Why on earth would people watch a cartoon in which little girls get their asses kicked, and kick ass in return? It is no longer shocking or upsetting to see a woman brawling with a man; it's on mainstream t.v. shows like 'Alias'.

There's a new book out by Wendy Shalit called "A Return to Modesty". I highly recommend this read because it reveals the shortcomings of the feminist movement, as well as the refusal of some conservatives to give any validity to women's grievances about sexual harrassment. The original intent of the feminist movement was to ensure equality between the sexes. This is an admirable goal. But to preach sameness between the sexes is simply wrong. If men and women are the "same", a man is left to wonder what he has to offer a woman. Some men are afraid to ask a woman out for fear that she will either reject him, chastise him, or--horrors!--expect an engagement ring. I think a lot of women are longing for the days when men knew how to be men, knew what it was to be a man. Can anyone tell me what society's definition of a man is today without having to pause several times to consider if they sound sexist?
Don't get me wrong; women aren't longing for the days when they couldn't vote and had to scan the paper for jobs advertised to women (as opposed to the ones literally labeled "help wanted, men only"). As a wife, I have the luxury of expecting my husband to help out with the housework, hold a job, and stay committed to me until the day we die. My husband is a blessing from God because he didn't follow society's, nor radical feminists', theories on relating to the opposite sex. He wants me to make decisions, to use my God-given intelligence (he calls it wisdom) to participate in our marriage plans.

Men and women want to be valued for who they are. It seems as though they are being pitted against each other, however, in increasingly destructive acts like violence and abadonment. Through Christ, I hope hurting men and women can find healing, forgiveness, and protection.

Thank you both for your insight! Reading the article I found the author's contrast between girls who fight bad guys and girls who fight any guys interesting. She calls the Powerpuff Girls "cute, courageous post-feminist icons" but refers to Janet Jackson's "Son of a Gun" video as girl power gone awry. I find her distinction interesting but Becky you bring up a good point about "sameness between the sexes". I struggle with our culture's and my personal definitions of manliness. As long as we are trying to be completely the same how can we increase our understanding of the part gender plays in our lives?

Robyn your thoughts on loneliness are also interesting. I just attended a concert a couple of days ago with Pierce Pettis and David Wilcox. David sang an incredible song called "That's what the lonely is for". I know the song doesn't have a whole lot to do with what you wrote but the ideas of sex and loneliness brought it to mind. David has so many incredible songs about both.

Again, thanks Gals for your thoughts.