Strike a Pose! Humble Nuances to Gender Equality
Humble nuances to gender equality.
This time of year, a woman’s cry sounds like a growl across the world. It’s March, in which the woman rules and claims her superiority over all species in the many ways a man cannot, and so the battle ensues. Not far from the truth at all, but it refers mainly to the need for the ouster of male supremacy. This notion has been a touchy subject since the beginning of Venus vs. Mars, and today the rights of women in standing alone but on equal terms with man has become a constant present-day issue and of the future.
It’s sad but true that a biological sex difference can create a war of the worlds and words from the home to the boardrooms and bedrooms. I get to profile in terms of the behaviors and differences year after year and interpret the debates, emerging meanings, perspectives, etc. What hasn’t changed is how sexism remains the irritant.
Is it sexist to say that women are superior to men?
Many headlines over the years posted this question, ‘Is it sexist to say that women are superior to men?’. Fundamental differences, including the blue and pink minds (ref. Pink Brain Blue Brain by Lise Eliot), insist. I quote, “the tiny sex differences present at birth are magnified through socialization.”
One anthropologist goes this far to say, ‘Maleness is a birth defect.’ It reminded me (also cracked me up on the words birth defect!). It also brings forth the question, ‘Are any group of people, regardless of gender identification, biologically superior to any other?’
Well, right here right now, if the super forms of the male and the female were to strike a pose, whose would be the superior? I have my preferences, as will most, for it is in the eyes of the beholder. But to say, is it sexist that women are superior to men? I will agree with the select majority and anthropologist Barbara J King’s answer, Yes, in a way that hurts men and women.
To the above thoughts on fundamental sex differences that create mental barriers between the woman and the man, there are the differences in the facts of evolution, hormones, psychology, etc., and it hurts and impacts (in my opinion) both the feminist and masculism actions in ideology and everything learned around it.
Feminism isn’t about superiority or domination; it’s about gender equality.
However, to the power that the woman yields, I agree, and as I have researched, their differences in behavior favor them, not men, for most of the things that will matter in the future. However, to make any situation, win-win gender equality must reign while accepting and acknowledging and respectfully so, the vast dimensions in thought and practices that men and women share. Debate with me on this, and I will be happy to share the facts.
Feminism isn’t about superiority or domination; it’s about gender equality. In a world so vast and spread in cultural behaviors, serving as equals on emotional, spiritual, and physical levels only advances acknowledgment and acceptance that defines growth for our existence. I’ve said this twice already. This second time it is for those guys who do not go beyond the gym and the boardroom to exercise authority and power of the muscle!
In all the diversity and inclusiveness manuals, I have often thought that a penalty must be attached ‘For Men Only’ who violate or oppose the powers women have, especially in the workplace and those who execute them with humility. The workplace battles have been most transparent in acknowledgment and acceptance issues worldwide.
It is, indeed, baffling to see the very few women on top who have taken charge and can make both men and women listen. Something about ten women in the lead, two brought by Alexa and Siri! It does seem unfair. While men have been in a privileged position for years, it would behoove them to empower women up to their level, no doubt. Women make for great problem solvers. Feminism is about the power of choice and acknowledging it, and we choose to stand on an equal base on all matters.
To gender equality, then we say cheers!
Not just in March, but every day. Differences that create disadvantages only sour and deepen the wound. So, to the man and the woman and the human race, let it be a marriage of minds, of convenience, of growth as echoed in the words of Khalil Gibran, “Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf….”
Strike a pose, Ladies. You are on the cover of ‘Empowerment’!
About the Author
Seema Azharuddin has been actively involved in a variety of fields like acting, producing, writing, journalism, and consulting, including being a champion for several causes and campaigns. Currently, she continues to volunteer as a spokesperson for the Indian diaspora for Biden’s presidency and contributes to a number of publications.
Feature Image
Stencil street artwork by thepinkbear.rebel street artist. Exploring gender roles and equality with reversing the two main characters in the famous photo taken after WW2 was won. Via Crawford Jolly / Unsplash
Topic that usually get a miss. Beautifully written article.
The cosmic future is rapidly evolving towards gender-balance growth, where gender parity will play a catalytic role for a sustainable tomorrow….a Great topic Seema.. really Enjoyed reading it….
Well written.. enjoyed reading it💞
As always, enjoyed your style of writing Seema. Agree with your views on gender equality. But we are the privileged ones and can afford to take a stand, to speak about it, to debate. The real challenge lies in each empowered woman doing what she can to lift another , to create awareness and to make a difference. I know you are one of them Seema 👍
A balanced and holistic view of ‘gender trouble’, written in a witty and interesting style, and that is Seema’s speciality.
Seema is a prolific writer who in one breath can quote famous personalities ranging from Pluto to Weiner, to Gibran to Socrates, Keytes, Byron and many others, to women of substance, including the famousc Greta Thunberg, an environment activist from Sweden and the youngest nobel laureate Malala Yusyfzai from Pakistan.
According to Seena, March should not be viewed in isolation as a trademark for women of the world. Every human being is a gift of the Alnighty to the planet Earth, breathing the same air, basking and making hay while the sun shines, enjoying the blissful and scintillating light emerging from the moon and the exotic and exuberant smell of the gift of nature.
Seema has very rightly and skilfully advocated for human rights and empowerment and focussed on gender equality rather on the men vs women appraoxh paradigm. She deserves to be congratulated for her approach to gender equity and equality.
Such an enjoyable read, giving a touch of humor to an otherwise sensitive subject. Cheers to gender equality!
I have always believed and told the female members of my family and my female friends:
Freedom to pursue what you love is your birthright, don’t ask exercise it. The moment you ask you put the other person (a male normally) above you, you unwittingly give them the control and power over you.
Well written article Seema. Congrats.
Very interesting n well written, enjoyed reading
Well done Seemaji ! Your larger then life persona is always inspiring – Love
Congrats Seema!! A most enlightening & thought provoking article with a humorous tinge to it. Expertly researched & well documented. Proud to have such a strong voice in the media, forthright & candidly speaking her mind on any topic of relevance.
I feel , a gender equal society would be one where the word ‘ gender’ does not exist. Where everyday can be themselves. Any serious shift towards more sustainable societies must include gender equality. Gender parity is a human fight, not a female fight.
Great thoughts. Well said.
I would put it very simply…”Beware the Ides of March!!” That is what you exactly want to state .
In the above post ( comment by me ), there has been a typo . Instead of ” everyday”, it should be ” everybody can be themselves.” I am sorry for the inadvertent error while typing.
Shyamasree Kundu.
You deserve thanks for bringing this vital information. Lots of Love ❤️
Wonderfully scripted article Seema! You’ve put forth the gender differences that have prevailed since time immemorial; agree that this erroneous social trend has to be altered and rectified eventually, as women are emotionally much stronger than men. Of course, the physical attributes make the male, a stronger candidate, but only in that regard. Most other important attributes, such as emotional, temperamental, multi-tasking capabilities, level headedness, patience etc., I think women remain second to none. Need cultural reforms at grass root levels to educate and break this barrier.
I just love the way the basic female/male genders are “morphing” into several versions of themselves.
What a magical day when all genders are equally represented with brain and heart making this world go round. Not muscle power…which hasn’t worked at all.
Seema…you make us think…that’s what good writing does.
When Shakti,Sampati and and Vidya are all female then where is the doubt in superiority? But is it not wise to be equal and not superior lest you are landed with more workload? To me feminism is about being respected on your own terms. Long live the maleness defect/ difference ,it makes things so interesting. We the educated ,aware ,evolved lot must go much deeper into the philosophy of this difference in the lower strata
where it hurts the women in every possible way. The world is spiraling ahead for the literate but the chasm is deep and cruel for deprived half. This defect of most unkind proportions needs to be kicked and thrashed by you Seema and other women of your intelligence.
The article was a super read on a subject men still have a problem with, but it’s come a long way from when it opened fire.
Swami Vivekananda said a man is like a bird, flies high but with one wing only if he loses the woman by his side.
Seema you are a woman whose spirit keeps the fire aflame within you and a force to reckon with. May your spirit soar and keep writing as well as you do to bring continued awareness to your superior selves. Sexism is, indeed, the irritant! Away with it!
Great thoughts.
ultra pixel survive
Hey Seema:
Was looking forward to your next piece and you have given us women much to think n re-think with your article. A constant Awakening feeling you give to me when I read you. I have to say there is something so special about a woman, who dominates in a man’s world…..and you are an vibrant example.
We can never be apologetic about our femaleness and feminity and you clearly motivate us into knowing that nobody gives us power. It’s ours to have naturally!
Thank you for a lovely motivational read.
Predictably another relevant and thought provoking article from Seema! Gender equality….a basic fundamental right. It is shameful that we should be even discussing it…. how can one set of human beings be declared as “less equal” ?
Thanks Seema for your crystal clear way of writing as always with a smattering of humour.
Really hope to get some more of such immensely readable pieces.