BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist Atheism Feminism

Another correspond-to-the-article post. This time, a discussion of gender bias, or any bias, especially as influenced by belief or lack of belief. What's your view on the tie between prejudices and religion? Does that connection help keep the playing field unlevel, or do you think the necessity some people see for distinction would exist no matter what?

An extremely general POV: I think that the 'religious right' or any religious folks buy into gender bias because they exist in a patriarchal society reinforced by their beliefs. Religions are and have been patriarchal since men discovered that the power of the state could be reinforced by the power of religion. Before that, women were the spiritual (not necessarily religious) leaders of any community. So, since beliefs are based in male-dominated organizations, no matter the name of the organization, therefore the gender bias is built in. And will remain so until women realize that they are second class citizens and CARE about it. I thought we were getting somewhere in the 60's, but something happened along the way.

Jan, the pondlady in New Orleans

And on the other side of the coin, Pagan religions celebrate the feminine side, but some people I'm sad to say take it to the exact opposite extreme as the organised patriarchal religions. I get just as angry about women who try to stamp out all male influence and negate men and denounce them as "evil" as I do about misogynistic men who try to keep women submissive and second-class citizens.

I find the differences between men and women so amazing - we complement each other, feed each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses. It makes for a brilliant partnership whether you want to look at business, relationships, politics - whatever: we need equal input from both genders (irrespective of sexual orientation, too) to get the best possible outcome.

Jan, I love the "liquid valium" thing. And what you said reminded me of Mark Twain talking about how men realized they had to put some limits on women, and religion as a great way to do it. That's incredibly paraphrased, of course, but the point is there. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
And Elle, beautifully spoken. I, too, wish people would really understand what "separate but equal" should mean- that it's wonderful to realize and even celebrate our differences, that they are necessary, that, as the old saying goes, "it takes all kinds..." (granted that's often spoken in a disparaging tone, but it shouldn't be).

Thanks <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />