Our culture is changing. I see it very clearly in the sphere of education. I assume it is happening in other spheres. We are getting more women in places of leadership and they bring with them the distinct way in which women view the world. It makes a difference in how things are done and what the priorities are. It is becoming the dominant approach. It is part of the reason that education is going down hill.
Because people are so sensitive and we have so much confusion in gender roles, it won’t do any more to call it the “feminine” approach. We need something more value neutral. I propose that we replace the traditional designations of “male” and “female” with “Mars” and “Venus.” This is taken from the series of books that began with Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray. There are certain characteristics that we link with each category and if we can divorce them from the gender link we can talk about them without generating some very Venus type emotional responses.
Mars is what used to be associated with the masculine mystic. Strong discipline with clear rules.
Clear goals and no nonsense. Don’t tell me how you feel, tell me what you did. Venus is what used to be associated with the feminine side. Emotion and intuition ruled the field. It is more important to feel good about ourselves than be successful.
Traditionally the two approaches have balanced each other out. Because it is more aggressive Mars has seemed to dominate but Venus has always been powerful. What we see now is that Venus is not only stronger but is driving any input by Mars out of the discussion. Education is totally in the control of Venus. We don’t discipline, we counsel. Bullying is the big issue of the day and teachers are beginning to be identified as the biggest bullies. Self-esteem is more important than skill or knowledge.
Public assistance has changed. In the past, Mars demanded that the resources go to the deserving poor. Work was expected. Standards were maintained. Now the basic line is not need or worthiness, just a lack of what you want. We call people poor who have air-conditioning, HD TV and a second car. Venus runs welfare based on happiness and handouts rather than seeking self reliance. The goal seems to be to make the giver feel good rather than really help the receiver.
If we don’t see the pendulum swing back we will see not only the destruction of public education but also of society at large.
homo unius libri
At the risk of offending every female reader, that may be why why God made man the head of the home. (IF he can swing it these days.)
ReplyDeleteAnd the balance is achieved when husband and wife are told to submit to each other. Men also tend to err on the part that tells them to care for their wives as they would their own bodies.
ReplyDeleteI have noticed though that women don't seem to like this idea in public.
Grace and peace.