I have a step-niece who has her PhD in anthropology. As part of her studies she worked with the pygmies in Africa. One of the things she noted was that they were very honest: to the point of being brutally honest.
For example they told her that they felt sorry for her because she was too ugly to get a husband: she was white, tall (even by western standards) and too skinny (not that she thought so).
The pygmies also thought that Americans and Europeans were stupid. You can’t leave us out in the jungle for a minute without us getting into some kind of trouble. And they are right.
Pygmies are “differently smart” than I am. However, if I am ever out in the jungle, I want one at my side.
I tell this story to bring up the importance of diversity on teams. Everyone has a slightly different view and like stereoscopic vision, that allows the team to not just see the issue, but to see it in depth.
Women make up slightly more than half the population, so it makes sense to include some on your team.
I had more than one reason for leaving the Church, but the sex abuse scandal (and all that it revealed) was the last straw. I’ll never go back—ever—but I will say that a more inclusive Church where women have an equal role in all aspects would go a long way toward moving Catholicism in the right direction. Frankly, I’m happy to take down the patriarchy wherever it rules. A house divided cannot stand forever.
Women are capable of abuse. Women are not infallible. Just assuming it would be okay if women were in charge is the wrong assumption.
We need strict rules that are followed. I do agree women would have a refreshingly new look at things and it would be wonderful to fix all the little souls, but basing biologically is not the way.
Power corrupts no matter who you are. Power handled responsibly with many checks and balances to make sure nothing is being corrupted is the way to go. And there will still be corruption even with that. But we have to do better before we can get the best out of everything.
Women AND men are capable of being good people. Put those good people in charge.
Prescott Philosopher has a point. But, like the strip, the comment is simplistic because it is short; and this is too complex for short statements. Let us not forget that human individuals are very different from one another and we cannot assume how any one will act or think based on sex, gender, or the birthplace of their ancestors. Thank you, Kimberly A. for your well thought-out comment.
We have a lot to learn, a long way to go, and a lot to talk about. Thank you, commenters, for at least talking and not blowing up. This is where we start.
FreyjaRN Premium Member 8 months ago
Amen.
Prescott_Philosopher 8 months ago
I’m sorry. This is just shallow, bumper-sticker logic. Women are just as fallible and broken as men are.
dflak 8 months ago
I have a step-niece who has her PhD in anthropology. As part of her studies she worked with the pygmies in Africa. One of the things she noted was that they were very honest: to the point of being brutally honest.
For example they told her that they felt sorry for her because she was too ugly to get a husband: she was white, tall (even by western standards) and too skinny (not that she thought so).
The pygmies also thought that Americans and Europeans were stupid. You can’t leave us out in the jungle for a minute without us getting into some kind of trouble. And they are right.
Pygmies are “differently smart” than I am. However, if I am ever out in the jungle, I want one at my side.
I tell this story to bring up the importance of diversity on teams. Everyone has a slightly different view and like stereoscopic vision, that allows the team to not just see the issue, but to see it in depth.
Women make up slightly more than half the population, so it makes sense to include some on your team.
ladykat 8 months ago
And absolute power corrupts absolutely.
socalvillaguy Premium Member 8 months ago
I had more than one reason for leaving the Church, but the sex abuse scandal (and all that it revealed) was the last straw. I’ll never go back—ever—but I will say that a more inclusive Church where women have an equal role in all aspects would go a long way toward moving Catholicism in the right direction. Frankly, I’m happy to take down the patriarchy wherever it rules. A house divided cannot stand forever.
MuddyUSA Premium Member 8 months ago
The Vatican as a whole is too political and not enough spirituality!
byword84646 8 months ago
Thank you Patrick J. Marrin!
Kimberly Antell 8 months ago
Women are capable of abuse. Women are not infallible. Just assuming it would be okay if women were in charge is the wrong assumption.
We need strict rules that are followed. I do agree women would have a refreshingly new look at things and it would be wonderful to fix all the little souls, but basing biologically is not the way.
Power corrupts no matter who you are. Power handled responsibly with many checks and balances to make sure nothing is being corrupted is the way to go. And there will still be corruption even with that. But we have to do better before we can get the best out of everything.
Women AND men are capable of being good people. Put those good people in charge.
buflogal! 8 months ago
Prescott Philosopher has a point. But, like the strip, the comment is simplistic because it is short; and this is too complex for short statements. Let us not forget that human individuals are very different from one another and we cannot assume how any one will act or think based on sex, gender, or the birthplace of their ancestors. Thank you, Kimberly A. for your well thought-out comment.
Mimi Premium Member 8 months ago
We have a lot to learn, a long way to go, and a lot to talk about. Thank you, commenters, for at least talking and not blowing up. This is where we start.