From: Robert Owen (rowen@technologist.com)
Date: Fri Dec 31 1999 - 12:53:08 MST
Replicant00@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 12/30/1999 7:33:28 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> rowen@technologist.com writes:
>
> <<
> Either a patriarchal or matriarchal origin presupposes the pre-
> existence of the distinction as well as the [political] rivalry.
> Again, in more specific terms, what elite or covert managerial
> class created, publicized and reinforced the use of the controll-
> ing stereotypes you mention. >>
>
> The obvious answer would be '"men". Or whoever is "on top" of the current
> social structures.
Please do not consider it disrespectful, but what men, where, when
how? I do not view your statement as an explanation, but at best
a simplistic description. The fact, as you note, that clitoral circum-
cision or Clitorectomy is supported by all social factions hardly
strengthens the view that the practice is an instrument of social
repression. What about female labial rings and male ear or nipple
rings? What agent of social repression imposed these practices?
Do you see that the accepted historical vogue of interpreting these
phenomena in "political" terms may represent a complete misunder-
standing, and not even be exactly wrong?
> At some point, slavery, racism, reigion, superstitious and "fashionable"
> trends of thought (leopard games, cold war, Jung & Freud) become inherent in
> the structure itself. Institutionalized memes.
This illustrates my objection to "sociobiological" and other "pseudo-
scientific" approaches to the subject. I believe the information content
of the above statement is zero.
> At some point, the purpose of these games becomes obsolete.
> I believe the original post was pointing out that in this millennium, in this
> circumstance, the "battle between the sexes" has, indeed, lost it's purpose,
> benefits no one and should cease.
Then why doesn't it cease? If, as you say, the phenomena are "games",
why don't the participants simply stop playing if they are offended or
bored?
Bob
=======================
Robert M. Owen
Director
The Orion Institute
57 W. Morgan Street
Brevard, NC 28712-3659 USA
=======================
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