Talk to me. Does this make sense as an idea, or is it really offensive?

[randomblade]

Disclaimer : This is all just an exploration of thought, wordplay, meaning. I've tried to put it in a bit of a frame of my own experience and ambivalence about value and difference. I hope my poking around with 'equality' is not offensive to anyone, but if it is, I'd love to hear why and to discuss it. I'm not sure what I think and I think I'm open

Comments

[aunty_del]

I think there's quite a bit of room between how you define 'equal' and your father's (IMHO old-fashioned) view of gender roles - that gap is where I put myself. Yes I wholeheartedly agree that there are biological differences physically and mentally, but that's no excuse for labelling tasks "men's" and "women's"; my 11 year old nephew, for example, will help his father with renovations (eg take a sledgehammer to the bathroom) then help his mum with a batch of biscuits. If a person wants to take up a career that's a good one to do part-time while caring for children then he or she should be free to do so.

As far as what to call it, I don't think it matters nearly as much as what you do. Actions speak louder than words and all that. Words are not, and cannot be, absolute. People have different shades of meaning in their minds and, short of telepathy, precise and exact agreement is impossible. So I don't think 'equal' vs 'equitable' vs 'equivalent' makes much difference while I can marry a male partner but not a female one, or not have the same pay or opportunities due to my lack of Y chromosome.

[randomblade]

thanks. Nicely put.