Re: Another "Country" Heard From
Dan Vachon (drv(AT)ici.net)
Sun, 26 Oct 1997 10:49:39
At 07:17 AM 10/26/97 -0500, you wrote:
>Dan wrote:
>
><<Why is it that women in this country are so
>afraid of sexual subjects? My understanding is that women in Europe and
>other parts of the world are much more understanding and liberal when it
>comes to sexuality issues. >>
>
>I think that it's because of our country's culture, dating back to the
>Puritans in the 1600s! Most organized religions promote this as a taboo
>subject, too. We are a very uptight, rigid, constipated society when it comes
>to the subject of sex. Look at how much trouble health educators have in
>teaching about HIV/AIDS, for heaven's sake! Many people have trouble just
>getting the words "condom" or "sex" out of their mouths; it's like the words
>are coated in chalk.
>
>Women historically have been considered second class citizens, not just in
>this country but in many others as well. They've been seen as pieces of
>property, and they've had their voices and choices ripped from them
>throughout the ages. They've been raped and violated even within a marriage
>relationship. Domestic violence is still a major concern in most communities
>throughout this country. It often takes life-threatening beatings before the
>court will intervene to protect the woman. Furthermore, if a woman is raped
>by a stranger or even her date, people are quick to judge that perhaps in
>some way she asked for it by her dress or behavior; whereas, the perpetrator
>does not have to go through this same kind of grilling. What I'm trying to
>point out here is that there is such a double standard in this country as far
>as sex is concerned, and by and large, women usually have gotten the raw
>deal. Women are taught well by society that they have to be extremely
>careful.
>
>I really hear what you're saying, Dan and Jeff, in your posts. I know what
>it's like to have someone of the opposite sex look at me as a non-sexual
>being because of my trach or because of my scoliosis. When I was in college,
>I remember how humiliated I was when I reached out to a fellow that I had an
>enormous crush on, and he rejected my efforts. Not only does it hurt, but
>it's also infuriating. I can also relate to the position that your female
>health care workers are in; I don't find their behavior surprising at all. If
>I were in their shoes, I would probably make the same choice even if I liked
>and admired you a whole lot.
>
>Carol
>
Carol,
In regards to your last two sentences. Why do you feel this way? Being a
care giver is a unique and intimate relationship. It is not your ordinary 9
to 5 job. Must the rules be the same?
Dan
drv(AT)ici.net