Gender. . .

—From CB—

There have been a series of posts promoting a “rule by women.” Despite the sad track record of many past & present female politicians, I think there might be a positive change … for a while.

But to presume that any person, no matter what sex, sexual preference, race, economic background, etc. is invulnerable to the effects of systemic corruption is an idiotic leap of faith. Power is power, compromise is compromise in an incredibly complex culture, and I believe in a woman’s capacity to be as destructive and foolish and opportunistic as any man.

By “systemic corruption” I mean the capacity of systems to shape the souls devoted to them. We expect that. Above all, we vote for the President who’ll protect us: “Policy” is way down the list. “Confidence” and “Strength” are at the top. “I want a strong leader” is the mantra on the football field, the voting booth, even in the election for homeroom President, who does nothing.

To assume that the patriarchy will be breached by the introduction of ovaries is a misunderstanding what the patriarchy is. I grant that women, like Blacks, have too long been passed over for leadership positions, and that it’s a good idea to change that and to not go backward. But selecting Clarence Thomas to replace Thurgood Marshall —or Amy Coney Barrett to stand in for Ruth Bader Ginsburg—was IMHO not a march forward.

How to define “the patriarchy?” I freely admit I’m a man, highly suspect as such, and I’m old. I’m well acquainted with the role of gender in history. But it’s not improved by substituting Phyllis Diller joking about her husband for a Catskill comic joking about his wife. In my mind, “Patriarchy” consists of three things: bias, power, and trust.

“Bias” means assuming that your belonging to a specific team makes you special, gives you added validity to be alive: we have horses, guns, and penises, so we’re the best people, whereas you’re scum or kiddies at best.

“Power” is what derives from teamwork—which too often relies on bias—and image, which does leave women at a disadvantage. We’re learning, though, that the illusion of power can derive from saying outrageous things or absolute lies that leave your opponent speechless.

“Trust” is like trying to catch a fish with your fingers: very elusive. “He projects confidence,” “The New Yorker says it’s good,” “She’s nobody’s fool…” We rely on others’ judgments that we won’t get blown up, that we’ll not waste our time, that our team will win. But we want Daddy or Mommy to assure us.

If female leadership results in greater empathy, greater collaboration, a less violent world, I’m all for it, and I don’t think I’m the only one. But I wouldn’t vote for a woman because she’s a woman; to me, that’s like the football coach thanking God for the touchdown.

###