Women and logic
This week I had some explosive discussions on the topic of women and logic. It was implied by both a male and female reader that these terms are incongruous - in other words, they do not go together. Yet at the same time, there was an accusation that American women in particular are too logical and motivated, resulting in a feeling that "you're having a conversation with a man."
I want to say that such comments really make my brain explode. Logic, ambition, intelligence - these are bad female traits? And what exactly are women supposed to discuss with their spouses or boyfriends? Nothing of substance, or are we supposed to just sit and be silent? One Russian woman who recently moved to San Francisco wrote to me that "American women are too motivated and logical, and sometimes I feel like they are missing out on being a woman." I don't know what "being a woman" means in her mind, but for me there is no set definition, and dumbing myself down to attract or please men has never even crossed my mind.
As a lawyer, I'm very much trained in logic and analytical thinking. Does it mean I'm "masculine"? We can agree that all over the globe men and women face communication issues, misunderstandings, sometimes conflicting interests...but, based on my experience, Russian culture is way more tied to gender stereotypes than American. Such narrow views on femininity and masculinity are disturbing for me personally...that is all I really want to say for the moment.