h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I, sadly, do not have have much time. However, I did want to drop what time I have to state my opinion not just on this topic, but on a much larger topic.

I do not believe that either men or women are better, safer, or whatever drivers. In fact, I do not believe that of practically anything. Men and women are not different creatures. This steps back to more than just our day to day interactions--because how we act in our daily lives suggests that there -are- differences.

Many people would, and probably will, argue with me. So, let me make an attempt at supporting that:

Human beings are conceptual beings. This means many, many things. We, because of how our minds work, can form abstract thoughts. We can think beyond the perceptual level. This is how we have accomplished many of the great inventions and works of art that we have today. Because we -can- think in the abstract. What this means is that we also have believes and values. We are individuals with individual beliefs and values based on our interaction with reality and our own rational minds.

Not everyone choose to use those minds.

When there is a factor of difference placed on something that does truly say who a person is--i.e. gender--that leaves room for hate and animosity. Gender does not define who we are--our merit as a person defines who we are. Our individual beliefs and values. Take any gender stereotype and you will people who do not fit it... why? Because it's not true. It's not an objective standard. Stereotypes may be fairly accurate at times--but that is only because we allow it to be so.

Do not censor yourself. Do not succumb to old ideals.

Live. Learn. Grow.

And, for anything sacred, be happy.

Issac
I seem to agree with you. Looking at the animal kingdom, we see most of the other mammals as pretty equal in the survival game, either male or female do it pretty well. This tells me that the skills needed to survive are universal. So the skills required to drive a car must be innate in both males and females. In fact its the application of skills that is the problem. Up to puberty, there is little difference between the sexes. Its after this time that things change, and I belive that it is the lack of balance between the sexes that causes the problems.
Women are fast becoming the aggressors, and this change will be reflected in all sorts of ways as women redress the balance.

Of course, if they wore decent shoes while driving it would help!

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU MATE.
WOMEN AND MEN ARE, AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS
EQUALS!! NOT ONLY THAT, BUT EVERYONE
SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LIVE
HAPPY AND FREE LIVES, NO
MATER WHAT SEX, RACE,
SEXUALITY OR DISABILITY.
THERE ARE ONLY A FEW
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE, AND THAT
IS OF THOSE WHO BREAK THE
LAW.
I, AS A LESBIAN, AM LUCKY
TO LIVE A VIRTUALLY FREE
LIFE. NOT MANY PEOPLE
HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE WAY
MY PARTNER AND I LIVE.
THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS,
MAINLY FROM FAMILY, BUT
THEY JUST HAVE TROUBLE
COMING TO TERMS WITH A FAMILY
MEMBER BEING AND FEELING THE
WAY I DO.
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY
COMMENTS ON THIS SUBJECT??
JENNA
XX

Turn the caps lock off

Heh. I admit I agree on that footwear comment. But, again, that's more of a using your head than simply female issue. There are men who can (and do, I've seen it) wear roller skates/etc. But, again, you still have a good point...

My big thing is that people become unhappy because their begin to censor who they are based on their stereotyped notions... Or even a self-fulfilling prophecy type thing..

Imagine.. the subconscious...

"Well, women -are- bad drivers.. So, I guess that means -I'm- a bad driver.. oh well, might as well.."

Y'know?

Jenna,

I'm very glad that you agree.

I also believe that everyone should have the chance at a happy and prosperous life. The real deal is that people have to want it for themselves, though. If they're just given it.. it is usually wasted. And that is also part of my perception of the gender issue... when people stop thinking of themselves as invidiauls, they lose appreciation for themselves and their fellow human beings.

And, as far as your family goes, it's sad, really. But, there is not much you can do but be yourself. If your family is unwilling to accept you, you cannot change them. Only they can.. and if they want to judge on misconceived stereotypes... you'll have to just continue to live your life.. whether or not they want to be a part of it.

Isaac.

Aaah but although you should not just 'go along with' stereotypes. Men do have better spacial awareness, a fact, get over it.
Women have better social skills, a fact, get over it.

By the same token, men have more accidents at speed and in head on collisions. However women have more accidents at junctions and at slow speeds. These are basic differences between the sexes, and we are different, that is what makes humanity humanity.

There is no point in stating men and women are equally gifted in areas.
However they are equally gifted over all, men may be better at something, women better at others. ( I am not saying all men should hunt and women shiould sew or anything)

This is the true equality.