It can be a goofy question because it sets up an expectation that half the world, 3.5 billion people, can answer it the same way if it's asked in exasperation because a woman was maybe annoyed at a man for insisting on paying for dinner, or didn't want to go on a second date after all he did for her, or didn't want him moving in. Something like that. In that context, it suggests women should get it together and be more consistent in their collective behaviour so hetero men can understand the "rules" instead of having to make an effort to get to know each woman one at a time. Curious.
But, in another context, it can be answered for everyone at once, including men: Health and access to whatever will promote that, enough money to live with dignity - particularly when the kids are young, freedom from physical violence or the threat of violence, you know, generally to be treated with respect. We know the deal. People like to be treated as if they are valuable in their own right, as people with opinions and ideas to be discussed and debated civilly, not as commodities to be used as needed, to win over, to manipulate, to own. Nothing earth-shattering.
My mom always told me to have one foot out the door whenever I'm talking to a mortgage broker, and, she added, whenever I'm on a date. Always let them know you don't have to be there, and they will have to behave in a way that will make you choose to stay. We need days like today because there are too many women who don't understand when they have a choice, and far too many more who really don't have one. It's a frightening world out there.
But, in another context, it can be answered for everyone at once, including men: Health and access to whatever will promote that, enough money to live with dignity - particularly when the kids are young, freedom from physical violence or the threat of violence, you know, generally to be treated with respect. We know the deal. People like to be treated as if they are valuable in their own right, as people with opinions and ideas to be discussed and debated civilly, not as commodities to be used as needed, to win over, to manipulate, to own. Nothing earth-shattering.
My mom always told me to have one foot out the door whenever I'm talking to a mortgage broker, and, she added, whenever I'm on a date. Always let them know you don't have to be there, and they will have to behave in a way that will make you choose to stay. We need days like today because there are too many women who don't understand when they have a choice, and far too many more who really don't have one. It's a frightening world out there.
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| Or little boys, either. (h/t Globe Aware) |
Cross posted from A Puff of Absurdity, March 8, 2014
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