Alexandria, yes, I agree with you. It is essential that we think about and discuss how we behave towards one another, whether simply as person to person or from the perspective of being identified as one of a group with a particular characteristic or attribute.

It particularly concerns me that so much we think, do and say arises from our conditioning and the 'norms' of the culture in which we live.

My view is that relevant & considered discussion regarding issues such as this, i.e. the position & attitudes of different sexes or genders, is too often obscured and mutual understanding lost and thus progress falters or slows.

I accept that sometimes one has to shout to be heard . I certainly applaud those who have the courage to take a stand for what they believe and to speak up to raise awareness.

At the same time, I often feel that too many join in without real understanding or thought and with only a one-sided or accusative approach. I feel that this very often only increases entrenched views and resistance to change, rather than progressing it.

A comment is probably not the place to say much more but aiming for understanding rather than winning seems to me to be more likely to achieve real rather than 'lip-servcie' change. Unfortunately, our society still has far too many taboos that mitigate against the sexes being taught or learning to understand one another and the particular views and feelings regarding their experiences, roles, social identity and even their very humanity.

To me, that is where lies the underlying problem, though I accept that there are many complexities that compound it - discussion for another time & place, perhaps.

Thank you for accepting my comments in the spirit with which I made them, as contributions to equity and empowerment to all, regardless of sex, gender, race, ability or whatever.