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Feminism and male equality
by Debbie Read
The media would have us believe that women are outperforming men in every way, says Debbie Read, and 75% of suicides being male does suggest that the men are suffering more than the women... should we be gracious in our power and consider the prospect of male equality?
Girlies, we've got it good! According to the media we're outperforming men in every aspect - at work, school and university. 96% of female graduates were employed in 2005 and 40% of professional jobs in the UK are held by women (Observer Woman Magazine, March 2007). We're this close to ruling the world. And I'm not talking the 'Margaret Thatcher' kinda ruling the world, I'm talking about female King Arthurs kicking ass in a (hopefully) good way...
So why do we still let men pay on dates? Why are we still happy to be given his jacket if we're cold? Surely, if we're over-achieving in every aspect of our lives, it should now be us who pay for the dates and give men the jackets to stay warm?
It's hard to be a bloke in today's society. Women are much more independent and assertive about what they do and don't want, and we're certainly not going to waste time on dates and men that we don't feel are right for us. Life's too short. But I think men are suffering, and we females shouldn't forget it. 75% of suicides in the UK are male and our generation of males seems to be becoming increasingly angry with their lot.
In a cruel twist of fate, could it be that men are going to start burning their boxers in protest? I don't think we're quite there yet, but notice how I add a cautionary 'yet'. Men are being negatively labelled as underachievers in the media. That could turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy leading to levels of under-achievement in men that would be impossible to deny. How funny that tables might be on the verge of being turned...
So what can we do? I'm sure as hell not going to give up my career and lifestyle, which I work hard to keep, simply in order to play mummy and housewife (which I'd be amazing at by the way, but not at the tender age of 21). But there needs to be a balance.
Perhaps we females need to compromise. Maybe what both sexes need is equality. By this I mean equal opportunities. Don't for a moment think it hasn't crossed my mind that women are more employable than men because women tick that extra box...
So, in a light and fluffy way, why don't we start with equality on dates? Pay for yourselves, girls - after all, you earn the money you're spending.
But does that then make romance dead? It's not quite the same if you buy yourself roses for a date, is it?
Who knows? What I do know is the world is your oyster, chickadees - so go out and play!
About the author
Debbie Read was born with a week early with a navy blue face. She hated school with a passion but had the best three years of her life in university. She jumped out of a plane at 14,000 feet because her mate said it was a good idea. Her grandmother is so desperate for her to get married she's planning to sell her off for a camel, so if you don't hear from Debbie in the near future, call the police. Until recently she had plans to take over the world with bunnies because no-one suspects them, but now she's told you, so it won't work... damn!
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