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"I believe that women have
a capacity for understanding and compassion which a man
structurally does not have, does not have it because he cannot have
it. He's just incapable of it." -- Former Congresswoman Barbara
Jordan
At a glance that might sound a little
sarcastic, but with the age of over equality (out of
whack) upon us in Western Society we can easily be lead into
thinking this is the case. Men cannot argue the fact that a woman’s
point of view can add some balance to many issues. We thought this
subject to be a constant source of debate whether in personal
relationships or interpersonal relationships in the work place or
amongst friends.
We have spent some time over the past three
years listening to Melbourne early morning FM Radio stations where
it is common practice to place a blend of male and female
personalities to pontificate their views to early morning commuters
on their way to work. With exception of the national FM station
Triple J (who chooses two male personalities) a lot of them appear
to have a blend of men and women presenters in similar age groups
even though most of the females appear to be 'she-males'. It’s
interesting to listen to the divided views and interpretations of
both genders and although the formats for each show seem
predetermined listeners generally can make up their own minds about
the quality of the verbosity being delivered. It appears on radio
as in most television blends respect for each others point of view
comes across well so the mix of personalities are carefully chosen
to get along with each other (with the exception of reality TV
shows!) to keep ratings up.
On a personal note in relationships it’s
good to reflect on applying the same amount of time choosing a
partner who you can respect and tolerate. Women’s points of view
are different than men’s. Perhaps not on all issues but in general
they differ. Women are generally more careful in expressing their
‘actual’ thoughts especially in new relationships whether it be
personal or interpersonal so one has to be patient and attentive
with that if you are a man. As we men get older with our respective
partners is it fair to say one of two things gradually happen. We
grow in respect of our partner or we do not? You could say then the
middle ground maybe a good place to position yourself for peace
but, no-where land is just that no-where, still a lot of
relationships sail on this way...
Looking around western society today women
have evolved but so have men. Talking to lots of men in the over
40+ age groups we get very similar opinions from small home
business operators to surgeons. As mentioned in The Family Man this past
two generations of males has faced more technological
changes than any other male in the history of the human race. With
this being a reality it has also been ‘the time of
women’.
Both genders then have experienced the
changes of the past twenty years on different albeit similar levels
which should represent some sort of balance but in real terms are
women the most protected species on the planet? Do women know best?
Do men know best? A blend of both genders with respect and
tolerance for each other is a powerful combination though…yes? Then
why has the divorce rate stayed very much the same in an ever
changing world?
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