Yes paternity and inheritance are huge factors! From what I understand inheritance spurred the development of marriage into a legal institution, turning daughters/wives into another kind of property, often dowry in hand. And that makes perfect sense that the hatred and dismissal of female homosexuality stems from a feeling of rejection and inferiority, a sense of lack. Thank you
Forgive me asking up top about the least important point in your wonderful piece: why do you avoid the news? To not be constantly psychologically assaulted? I'm only curious because as an aspiring writer I fear getting sucked in by the media cycle because it leeches writing/reading time. I'm also afraid I'd only end up writing stories based on our bizarre reality.
Okay, regarding Dobbs and laws controlling women's bodies, I've always thought abortion was the excuse when it has fundamentally been about killing female sexual activity and pleasure. "Virginity" is a scam, probably invented by controlling dads and jealous boyfriends, to keep women from having fun. "Slut" is still and always the worst thing you can call a woman. In certain Muslim/Christian cultures, men can have multiple spouses, but, of course, women never get that opportunity. In Orthodox Jewish culture, women are still considered dirty and impure for their menstrual cycle and go untouched by their husbands during menstruation and often have to be checked by a Rabbi, if you can believe it, to make sure they no longer bleed and, thus, are ready again for their husband's use. And there are African cultures which still practice female genital mutilation, removing the clitoris, attempting to guarantee a woman will never experience erotic joy.
Anti-abortion laws seriously curtail a woman's sexual freedom, obviously. As does the real lack of sexual education in America and lack of adequate distribution of contraceptives. As shocked as I am about the denial of abortion access, it insults/infuriates me equally how much of an assault there is on reproductive/contraceptive education. For my male eyes, it's fear of women getting laid and having fun. Men seem to be born with deep jealousy and controlling natures regarding women and their sexual desire. It's the only thing that really explains to me the insanity before us.
I appreciate you sharing your views why women are hated. I agree with you that these are some of the reasons, and I think there are more. Paternity, for one, which is connected to the fear of sexual freedom...how can a man ever know if a child is his if the mother isn't under his control? That affects inheritance and dynasty. I also think homophobia can express fear of/desire for penetration, and women are hated for allowing/enjoying it. And on it goes.
It does sound like a big statement to say I avoid the news. Mainly I do because it focuses so narrowly on the events of the day when the challenges that truly face us are big picture and often beyond the purview of the news cycle. That said, if I stumble on Ari Melber or a good headline on my way to the Wordle, I gain be persuaded to pause. Thank you for writing.
Final thought: so much of the hatred of black men, specifically, seems of a similar vein: a tremendous fear that black men will seduce/corrupt/impregnate white women.
They underestimate the “little women”. Always. The furor I felt over the pompous asshole Alito’s 19 th century rant empowered me. How dare he. And Amy CB can rot in hell. The old white male know best about everything. Just because you have the power to do something doesn’t mean you should. I’m thrilled we have the senate and think there is a 50/50 chance we will hold the house. That is the best FY to the supreme court ( not capitalized on purpose). It’s also a nice repudiation of T and his group of goons. Is it sexist to say, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” ? I’ve never made so many phone calls and given so much money. Warnock will get another big one today.
Alice, thank you for this passionate, powerful essay. I love the beautiful, lucid logic, and the transparent honesty. Thank you, thank you. I agree with everything you've said, and am sending the link directly to friends as well as sharing it on Facebook and via Twitter (well, what's left of Twitter...very unsure what to do about that platform, but still, I want this to get to as many as possible. As I do Fellowship Point.)
They underestimate women at their peril. And yet they do it every single time.
Also, I still need to write you my fan letter telling you how much Fellowship Point meant to me but recently my sister-in-law and I were fangirling over it back and forth on email.
Brilliant words. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Elissa.
Thank you for this rant. I'm right there with you. Do not underestimate us--ever!
Thanks, Judith.
Extraordinary.
Yes paternity and inheritance are huge factors! From what I understand inheritance spurred the development of marriage into a legal institution, turning daughters/wives into another kind of property, often dowry in hand. And that makes perfect sense that the hatred and dismissal of female homosexuality stems from a feeling of rejection and inferiority, a sense of lack. Thank you
Keep on ranting!!
That was so well said & needs to be repeated continually for all those who still don’t understand.
Forgive me asking up top about the least important point in your wonderful piece: why do you avoid the news? To not be constantly psychologically assaulted? I'm only curious because as an aspiring writer I fear getting sucked in by the media cycle because it leeches writing/reading time. I'm also afraid I'd only end up writing stories based on our bizarre reality.
Okay, regarding Dobbs and laws controlling women's bodies, I've always thought abortion was the excuse when it has fundamentally been about killing female sexual activity and pleasure. "Virginity" is a scam, probably invented by controlling dads and jealous boyfriends, to keep women from having fun. "Slut" is still and always the worst thing you can call a woman. In certain Muslim/Christian cultures, men can have multiple spouses, but, of course, women never get that opportunity. In Orthodox Jewish culture, women are still considered dirty and impure for their menstrual cycle and go untouched by their husbands during menstruation and often have to be checked by a Rabbi, if you can believe it, to make sure they no longer bleed and, thus, are ready again for their husband's use. And there are African cultures which still practice female genital mutilation, removing the clitoris, attempting to guarantee a woman will never experience erotic joy.
Anti-abortion laws seriously curtail a woman's sexual freedom, obviously. As does the real lack of sexual education in America and lack of adequate distribution of contraceptives. As shocked as I am about the denial of abortion access, it insults/infuriates me equally how much of an assault there is on reproductive/contraceptive education. For my male eyes, it's fear of women getting laid and having fun. Men seem to be born with deep jealousy and controlling natures regarding women and their sexual desire. It's the only thing that really explains to me the insanity before us.
I appreciate you sharing your views why women are hated. I agree with you that these are some of the reasons, and I think there are more. Paternity, for one, which is connected to the fear of sexual freedom...how can a man ever know if a child is his if the mother isn't under his control? That affects inheritance and dynasty. I also think homophobia can express fear of/desire for penetration, and women are hated for allowing/enjoying it. And on it goes.
It does sound like a big statement to say I avoid the news. Mainly I do because it focuses so narrowly on the events of the day when the challenges that truly face us are big picture and often beyond the purview of the news cycle. That said, if I stumble on Ari Melber or a good headline on my way to the Wordle, I gain be persuaded to pause. Thank you for writing.
Final thought: so much of the hatred of black men, specifically, seems of a similar vein: a tremendous fear that black men will seduce/corrupt/impregnate white women.
They underestimate the “little women”. Always. The furor I felt over the pompous asshole Alito’s 19 th century rant empowered me. How dare he. And Amy CB can rot in hell. The old white male know best about everything. Just because you have the power to do something doesn’t mean you should. I’m thrilled we have the senate and think there is a 50/50 chance we will hold the house. That is the best FY to the supreme court ( not capitalized on purpose). It’s also a nice repudiation of T and his group of goons. Is it sexist to say, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” ? I’ve never made so many phone calls and given so much money. Warnock will get another big one today.
Thank you, Marsha.
Alice, thank you for this passionate, powerful essay. I love the beautiful, lucid logic, and the transparent honesty. Thank you, thank you. I agree with everything you've said, and am sending the link directly to friends as well as sharing it on Facebook and via Twitter (well, what's left of Twitter...very unsure what to do about that platform, but still, I want this to get to as many as possible. As I do Fellowship Point.)
Thanks so much, Lynne.
Yes! Rant on!
xoxo
A brilliant rant, Al. And amen to all of it!
Merci beaucoup Lor!
They underestimate women at their peril. And yet they do it every single time.
Also, I still need to write you my fan letter telling you how much Fellowship Point meant to me but recently my sister-in-law and I were fangirling over it back and forth on email.
Thanks Stephanie. I'm thrilled that you liked FP!