Find here a piece of news that when I read it the other day it had me to stop and think about what many perceive so often as the gender wars. First let me state that in terms of general equality between men and women I’ve never had any difficulty with the concept, as in fact rather wondering what’s taking the world so long to get over itself in such regard. However that’s from the perspective of a rational person, thinking about a rational world and yet that just isn’t the way the world is; especially one that still finds it necessary for nations to war on nations when reason fails them. So here we find two women who are suing the US government to have the military to lift the restrictions on women being permitted to engage in full blown battlefield combat.
Now perhaps you might think that this is where I jump in to say that I don’t agree with such restrictions or alternately to say this is one place women just don’t belong. The fact is personally I don’t think this is a place any human being should belong, with me being no exception. Now I will get to the point, first as stated here war is not a rational enterprise, so unlike other occupations of the world it’s employees are not in the position to simply opt in or opt out and as such this change that's being asked for can’t just be had to stand for only those who wish to be so involved. So now this is the time I ask the women of the world, being does equality for each of them extend to how these two women define it as such? If yes, than are they prepared for the day when this choice might have themselves forced to serve in such a role rather than it being an option? Now you might wonder what I think, well I can honestly say that I don’t know what I think, which is what so often happens when what it is I’m forced to think about simply can’t be resolved with reason.
9 comments:
Hi Phil,
Like you I have no problem with the equality issues. In fact I see my better half in context of what she can do and how well she does it for a lady half my size. Yet she too was a soldier at the same time I was, and I still to this day am not sure how she might have felt if we were in full combat conflagration.
If we were in defending our borders through outward aggression by an invasion then I do not think there would have been an issue.
As I got older I see where the futility of wars cost so many lives, and to see this as a great burden, especially when Canadian roles were mostly peacekeeping.
The woman and men who have done their duties I honour because of the sacrifice they make or have made.
Best,
Hi Plato,
So with both you and your wife having a military background has this then less of a hypothetical consideration and thus has me to value your thoughts all the more. However as you can imagine what I’m attempting to explore here is do women in the main find that in becoming the blunt instrument of political will fits into what they imagine as progressive cross gender equity. I guess what I'm actually asking is, does having women to be warriors improve the human condition or rather just a further sign of its regression, as my reasoned side would hope that over time less people in general find this as an acceptable natural state of being.
Best,
Phil
Hi Phil,
However as you can imagine what I’m attempting to explore here is do women in the main find that in becoming the blunt instrument of political will fits into what they imagine as progressive cross gender equity.
In my opinion one might wonder to ask woman who do become soldiers what their feelings are for sure and in respect of society, how many woman do actually become soldiers?
Engender issues in this case, just because woman exist in society seeking equal rights, might recognize what they actually have to do to realize becoming a soldier. It is harder in a lot of respects for them.
Phil I really believe that a civilized society as much as we seek peace, the reality is there has to be peacekeepers. Political will, and we all suffer, especially if the mandate has been shifted in our foreign policy. Even in this respect you have to train for these realities if they do indeed become aggressive.
As much as one hates war, one does not relish it, but realizes that a job has to be done. Woman as far as I've known and trained with, recognize and realize these roles.
Best,
Hi Plato,
I fully recognize as to appreciate the role of volunteer peace keepers, as well as the distinction between them and those I imply as being primarily the blunt instruments of political will. Moreover what you avoid to address here is this equity that’s being sought if won most likely couldn’t stand to only have it remain optional, as it isn’t now in the main for men. Also I’m exploring this from the US context more so than the Canadian, although even here the distinction between the two has blurred a lot within the past two decades. So still my wondering remains if the women of the world consider this action will result in the kind of equity they have in mind when it comes to being human.
Best,
Phil
Hi Plato,
I never made reference to an elite fighting force just talking about what it would normally be for the run of the mill canon fodder soldier throughout the history of war.
Best,
Pik
I hoped my correction would help....but better to delete the two postings.
Hi Plato,
I don’t know why you would have chosen to delete your comments and subsequent links as they did provide valuable additional information. Moreover, once again I’m not looking to pass judgement here simply to explore the implications of such a possible shift respective of the ever evolving human condition.
Best,
Phil
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