Chris Jepson: Another reason to love women

My sister refers to humanity as nasty little monkeys. Sadly I have to agree. She is a smart gal, well traveled, well read and perceptive in her observations. Her assessment of our species is essentially grounded on two salient considerations: how we treat one another (today/this moment), and the history of how we have treated one another. Speaking of which . . .

I am struck by the Trayvon Martin case, by how easy (unfortunately) it is for white Americans to dismiss the spirit-sucking experience it can be to be black in America. Frankly, I am surprised there is not more rage. If the president of the United States can recount “incidents” of overt discrimination and belittling slights, try and imagine what it is like for blacks who have not had the Harvard experience (and the associated acculturation/values).

Speaking of discrimination, I have never understood bigotry against Jews. It is utterly baffling to me. Unlike blacks, Jews look essentially like white America, sometimes with a little Mediterranean seasoning (so to speak). The absurdity of Jews to have been singled-out in 20th century America is a disgusting chapter in our history. If any one group in American history better exemplifies the pioneer values of initiative, hard work and creativity, well, the Jewish experience in America is it. Throw in commitment to family, emphasis on education and sense of community, and well, Jews would be second to no group in their many contributions to the American fabric.

Interestingly, from an historical perspective, women have experienced the most consistent and relentless discrimination of any segment of our species. And, candidly, it is the most baffling. For thousands of years men have mistreated, diminished and relegated women to a “permanent” second-class status. It has only been in the last 90 years (in the West) that women have had even a whisper of equality.

I have attempted (through reading) to better understand the origins of female discrimination by men. The origins are subject to controversy. Some paint a rosier picture for women before the Neolithic agrarian revolution. There have been historical examples of certain societies treating women more equally (see: Ancient Egypt or 7th century B.C. Etruscans). We have the “exceptions to the rule” examples of Hypatia, Aspasia, Cleopatra, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Catherine the Great, Elizabeth I, and others.

Why? Why would men consistently over thousands of years consider women anything but equal partners in our/the slog through life? Some argue that it was/is about controlling a woman’s sexuality, her fertility. Physical size alone and ferocity give man an edge. Too edgy, my sister would suggest.

Ah, the burdens of harnessing male aggression. Is there anything worse from a societal perspective than large groups of young men unconnected with/to women? Think about it.

An interesting essay in the July 21, 2013 New York Times addresses the question of “Why Men Need Women.” In a nutshell, women make men better than they would be without their influence. According to the author, Adam Grant, new research supports the idea that “The mere presence of female family members — even infants — can be enough to nudge men” to be more generous. The more sisters, daughters, females in a man’s life, the better the chance he will act with greater selflessness.

There are many reasons to love female energy. We become better men (less nasty) because of it. Society, too. Respect it. Better yet, encourage it.