I think all of us with children, and probably more so with daughters, contemplate variations on this scenario. I know we have here and even discussed it with the boys- I agree that it's a very private, intimate decision and is no one else's business. I can't imagine anyone else making these decisions for us. In fact, it angers me a lot that anyone thinks he has the moral superiority to tell us what is right.
I know that the male reaction to your statement about controlling women through pregnancy will be upsetting to the guys, but I think probably it has validity if they would be honest about it. I don't mean in the personal immediate sense, but in some deeper, maybe atavistic sense. Or even if men don't believe it, it would be helpful if they could acknowledge the truth of what children and pregnancy do to a woman's life, which is far greater than to the man's. I'm not saying that men shouldn't express their thoughts, and that the alleged father shouldn't have some say, but if they could just admit that the track record of men and responsibility isn't so great that that it inspires trust in their decisions about women. There are too many of the type who got all excited about that column CHarley posted- you may not have seen it- it blamed the "pussification of men" on allowing women the right to vote and gain some say in government. This is the way Real Men think.
And I want someone like that telling me what to do with my body?
I don't think so.
Earn my trust. Then maybe I will consider your opinion.
But again, I think a lot more of these things are hardwired than we believe. |
