I've been having what I find to be a very interesting discussion in another part of this site. By bringing the topic up here, I'm hoping to expand the audience and invite all points of view. Gender equality can be a hot topic for me, anyway, and if it gets hot for anyone else, I hope nobody is disrespected and everyone feels free to speak their own viewpoints. However, I'm going to include a trigger icon *just in case.*

So here's where I stand.

I don't even like "ladies first." I'd appreciate someone giving up a seat to me on the bus, or holding the door open for me, because I have a physical disability. But please don't feel obligated to do so just because I'm a woman. Although no, I'm not going to yell at a man who does that. He's probably been taught that way, and he is making a sincere effort to be courteous. Motive means everything. And a lot of people still think it's just common decency to let women go first. They call it "respect." Well, I disagree, that's all. I'd be more inclined to call it "respect" if I'm looked at as an equal, not a delicate being who requires special consideration. I also feel that since we women have worked hard for the rights we have--to vote, to own property, to be hired for the same jobs at the same pay, etc.--it would be hypocritical to turn around and demand preferential treatment on the basis of gender. (However, I'm still tempted to say, "Hey, there's a lady present!" when someone lets loose with a bunch of profanity. )

Am I trying to be unfeminine? Absolutely not. I prefer dresses over slacks. My hair is very long. I enjoy wearing makeup and jewelry. I even legally changed the name I was given at birth, because I felt it was too boyish, and I wanted a name that was more clearly female. "I want to be equal" doesn't mean "I want to be a man."

I've got an uncle who doesn't like to hear any talk of "women's lib," and he will tell any woman who is at all upset with her husband, "Quit trying to be the boss. The man is supposed to be the boss." Well, he's referring to certain Bible verses. I'm not starting this thread to debate religious doctrine, however anyone feels about that. I'm only trying to say, it's not a matter of "trying to be the boss." I guess in my uncle's way of thinking, someone has to be superior. He doesn't seem to grasp the concept of equality. If a woman even hints about equal rights, his ears take it to mean, "Let's reverse roles completely, give the women all the power, and make the men grovel."

Nope. Not trying to do that at all. Equality works both ways. "I want to be equal" doesn't mean "I don't like men."

I could go on, but this is getting long, and I'd like to hear from others.