Equal doesn’t mean identical
A couple’s fight. Sexual harassment cases. The senate.
Politics, personal relationships and the workplace are filled with communication between men and women.
Every day, we face issues dealing with gender differences, women’s rights and gender equality.
Every area of our lives is affected by gender differences and, therefore, can be improved by a thorough understanding of the distinctions between men and women.
I strongly believe in women’s rights and gender equality, but undeniable differences do exist between women and men.
While it is convenient to pretend that women and men are completely equal, we cannot ignore the mental, emotional and physical differences that make the male/female dynamic so interesting and complex.
By studying the differences between genders, we can use men and women’s unique strengths to society’s advantage.
Ignoring the distinctions between men and women will continually lead to a lack of communication and understanding.
Since the first women’s rights convention in 1848, we have made tremendous progress in gaining equality for women.
Women have earned the right to vote, receive safe and legal abortions and practice birth control.
We are now protected by the law from discrimination, sexual harassment and abuse.
Still, much progress remains before we can truly reach equality.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, college educated women between the ages of 36 and 45 earn 74.7 cents per hour for every dollar men make. This is down from 75.7 cents ten years ago.
The inequality of wages that had begun to improve is now standing still and even worsening for some demographics.
The wage gap is just one example of the many difficulties our society faces when dealing with gender.
However, a surprising new gender gap is becoming apparent.
On average, girls are now doing better in school than boys.
In the U.S., women receive 57 percent bachelor of arts degrees and 58 percent of master’s degrees.
In education, the traditional male patriarchy has been turned upside down.
Many other important sectors in the United States are currently shifting away from traditional gender roles.
One high-profile example is politics. We now have a female secretary of state and speaker of the house.
We may even see a woman in the White House soon.
Women are continually gaining more powerful positions in our society.
I believe women’s acquisition of power will have a positive influence on society.
Women need to embrace many of the stereotypes for which we are often criticized.
Instead of apologizing for being, on average, more emotional than men, we must welcome the compassion and caring this brings to society.
Rather than apologizing for overanalyzing our problems, we should celebrate the understanding and solutions that can be reached without resorting to aggression.
Women possess innate abilities unique to their gender. I believe women in positions of power should not conform to male traditions.
Rather, women should embrace their femininity and use it for both their personal benefit and the benefit of society.
I believe equality can only be reached when both genders accept our unique attributes and use them to society’s advantage.
Men and women can be equal, but will never be identical.
Mara is a senior studying journalism, broadcast and mass communication technology.
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum