There have been enough debates and writings about patriarchy over the course of human civilization. So is there anything new that I can add to this debate? I doubt it. But I am going to try and show how patriarchy has led to benevolent sexism, and how it is as likely to prevent female empowerment…
Why Are Women Complicit in Patriarchy?
Patriarchy has been the norm in nearly all societies through all of human civilization. It has cut across cut across cultures, religions, ethnicities, and geographical boundaries. We are a male dominated society, be it through Scriptures, or customs. Could it be biological nature, or could it be because of the physical strength of males, I…
Words Matter
WORDS matter. Words matter in how we talk about the two genders. What does "man up", "grow some balls", "don't be a girl" convey? And both genders use these words. Not only does it show girls as weak, it also prejudices boys who don't behave in a stereotypical way. If we call women as "bitches",…
Why would anyone stay in an abusive relationship?
For a very long time I used to wonder why do abused women stay in an abusive relationship (of course both genders face abuse, but we mostly read about women). I used to think - if someone would treat you bad, logically you would cut off with that person. Why would anyone ever stay in…
Choice, control, and respect
Control is about power, not benevolence towards another person. People who do not give choices in life decisions to others do not respect the other person. Control is just another form of emotional abuse. The sad, and ironical part of control is that it perpetuates itself from the abuser to the abused – many who…
Unwilling to Allow His Wife a Divorce, He Marries Another
Here's my observation from a different perspective - the religious law says she needs permission from her husband to remarry. But in civil law, she is a divorcee and can remarry. So she wants to change the religious law so she can again marry under the orthodox religious law. And that makes me wonder, if…
The “other” sexism
I say all the 'right' things about women's rights and I am Batman - they should be treated as equal partners, not as minors who always need permission or protection from a male. They should be able to pursue any career or life they choose. They have the right to expect domestic help from their…
NFL locker room can accept criminals, but accepting a gay player…
This old man said it beautifully. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olc5C4SXAYM
Fight for fairness and justice everywhere, not where its convenient
Everyone knows about my stance on issues like child abuse, women's rights, homosexuality, science, place of religion in the public square etc. And the Catholic church deserved getting bashed for the child sexual abuse. But I also get angry when it is only the Catholic church/Christianity that keeps getting bashed for things that are not…
Quick to judge…
You know how when we meet a stranger and find out that person shares our background and our face lights up in joy. This person is one of us, he must be awesome. If we meet a stranger who is from a neutral background, we are cordial but not friendly. But if we meet a…
The Philosopher-Scientist 