This article explores the complex issue of gender equality, examining both psychological and physiological factors that contribute to inequality, and proposing that technological advancements, rather than feminism alone, hold the key to achieving true balance.
Psychological Difficulties Faced by Women
Societal Definitions and Expectations
The speaker posits that women face unique psychological difficulties stemming from societal definitions and expectations placed upon them from a young age. He suggests that the way girls are praised, often focusing on physical appearance ("so pretty, like a doll"), differs significantly from how boys are praised, which emphasizes potential and achievement ("good at growing up").
Simone de Beauvoir's concept from "The Second Sex" is introduced, arguing that women are often defined in relation to men, existing as "the other." This means that women's value is often perceived as supplementary to men's needs, leading to a feeling of being a secondary product or a copy of a man, not being defined by herself.
Internalized Societal Pressures
Because women are defined by men, they are controlled by society to achieve the expectation of being beautiful and virtuous. These societal expectations lead to internalized pressure and a narrow scope of evaluation. Exceeding these narrow ranges makes them to be viewed as “not a good woman”. This constricts women's freedom and causes them to care more about how society views them. Consequently, this creates face anxiety, which is a characteristic trait that beauty channels capture and profit from.
The "Motherhood Myth"
The speaker challenges the idealized view of motherhood. The speaker views this idealized role as a kind of "kidnapping" that forces women to be great mothers and devote themselves entirely to childcare and domestic duties. This creates a double standard, where a divorced man living alone is seen as normal, while a divorced woman is immediately questioned about the whereabouts of her children.
Physiological and Functional Inequalities
Biological Realities
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Childbirth: Women bear the physical burden of childbirth, a unique capability that also brings potential risks and anxieties.
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Time Constraints: Women's fertility has a limited window, creating a sense of urgency and pressure to have children before a certain age.
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Emotional Bonds: The physical connection of carrying a child may foster a deeper initial bond for women compared to men.
Functional Imbalance
The speaker also highlights the physical differences between men and women, suggesting that women are often in more dangerous situation when first meeting a man because men are typically stronger than women.
Feminism vs. Technology: The Path to Equality
Limitations of Feminism
The speaker questions whether feminism alone can achieve true gender equality. He believes that the core issues of inequality are deeply rooted in biological and functional imbalances that feminism alone cannot address.
The Power of Technology
The speaker argues that technological advancements have historically been more effective in leveling the playing field between men and women. He gives example on how the industrial revolution allowed for increase of GDP which in turn, eliminates the physical advantage of men. As technology reduces the importance of physical strength, it enables men and women to compete more equally based on intellect and skills.
Future Possibilities
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Artificial Reproduction: The speaker speculates about the possibility of artificial wombs or genetic engineering that would eliminate the need for women to bear children, thus removing a major source of inequality.
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Self-Defense Technology: The speaker propose for self-defense robots or devices that would equalize physical vulnerability, diminishing the threat of male violence.
Redefining the Subject
Ultimately, the speaker envisions a future where technology empowers both men and women to define themselves as individuals, free from societal constraints and biological limitations. This would create a truly equal society where everyone is measured based on their abilities and contributions, not predetermined roles or expectations.
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