i think she really means it…

Generation Me–Gender Roles?

Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 | Random Thoughts

I am taking a rather large risk with this post. These are some of the thoughts that came to me as I read the chapter in Generation Me, titled, “The Equality Revolution.” These are my thoughts and opinions right now; they may change over time…I’m always learning from new experiences.

Read at your own risk…

Maybe, just maybe, we weren’t made to “do it all.” Perhaps most men weren’t made to be the “stay-at-home-mom” and many women weren’t made to be the sole “breadwinner.” Maybe it really is nearly impossible for a single parent to raise a balanced, secure, and confident child all alone. I’m not saying it can’t ever happen, but perhaps it’s not the way Nature intended. And why does it have to be all-or-nothing? “You can have it all or be anything,” we’re told. But, what if we really did acknowledge some human limitations? Men cannot physically give birth, so they may never truly understand or be able to “nurture” children the way mothers do. Physiology limits nearly all women from being able to naturally develop muscle mass and strength like men do, which limits them from choosing certain careers or competing on the same playing field as men. Maybe, just maybe, “fair” dos not mean “equal.”

Perhaps claiming that all human beings should be able to do all that other human beings can do regardless of gender is a little too much to ask. If we acknowledged individual boundaries and limitations, maybe we would be “happier” and more content with ourselves. Should these limitations be forced upon us by the government? Absolutely not! Supported, perhaps. But, truly, when it comes to having children, that is a choice for a couple to make (regardless of how easy or difficult the government makes it). It is not an obligation (there are already plenty of people on this planet!). It is a choice that requires sacrifice of one’s personal goals, to fulfill the more important goal of the couple–to have children. And that may mean the career of one is put to the side for a few years, or an apartment on the outskirts of town will need to be rented, or a smaller house invested in, or simply the luxuries of new cars and entertainment will be put on “pause.” Ultimately, however, a sense of confidence, inner peace, and less anxiety may result.

The bottom line is, we weren’t made to “have it all” externally and internally. And, until GenMe realizes the positive sides of “sacrifice,” we will continue chasing the wind.

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