Any thinking person must realize that human beings are binary creatures. The continuation of our species requires the combined contributions of the male and female. Indeed it is this aspect of human reproduction that has created more than a little consternation for the evolutionary model. To wit: what advantages were gained by gender differentiation? The most efficient form of reproduction is fission. A single cell splitting and becoming two cells and so on is not only efficient, but positively guarantees its continuity even in the face of harsh environmental challenges. Where there is one, there will be two and so on.
The requirements of gender based reproduction increases the probability of extinction. Should a species diminish to only one of it's kind, that species becomes extinct with the death of the individual. If the species diminishes down to two of it's kind, but they are the same gender or the female is past the age of being able to conceive, that species becomes extinct. Some have theorized that gender developed as a way to increase genetic diversity. Few would argue the advantages of genetic diversity. However, there are other ways of increasing genetic diversity that are probably equally as effective. A virus transmits it's genes into anyone it infects. In point of fact, modified viruses are used as carriers in genetic engineering. They carry a gene payload to the cells of the organism being modified.
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All this notwithstanding, the reality we must address is that our human species is a binary life form. We have and need both male and female to ensure our future. Since it is clear, one without the other guarantees NO future, the question must be asked, how and why males have assumed the dominate role? Is it because of our brute strength? If so, since when does brute strength qualify anyone for dominance? Compared to other creatures on this planet, human beings are far from being even remarkable when it comes to physical strength. We're not even close to Chimpanzees when it comes to strength.
Perhaps it's our intellects? Are males smarter than females? Studies have shown that gender plays no role in human intelligence. Women are capable of being every bit as "smart" as any male. Quiet as it's kept, many are much smarter than the males they're obliged to tolerate. Hollywood "screen siren" Hedy Lamarr invented the spread spectrum, frequency hopping technology so necessary for communications in our modern computer and cellular phone culture of today. She did it, then presented it to the Navy during WWII as a way of ensuring secure communications with our submarine fleet. The only reason there are not more female recipients of Nobel Prizes probably has more to do with their second class citizenship and lack of educational opportunities in our societies.
male's needs require. Speaking as a man, that's a pretty sweet deal... if you can get it! She is submissive to the male and allows his word to be final on decisions. Would any man be comfortable with a role reversal? If you're honest the answer is a resounding NO! Since it is to our advantage as males, we're not inclined to rock the boat.
The second and less obvious answer, and clearly the tool that has been used is religion. In nearly every religion, one of the first subjects addressed - often right in the creation myth - deals with the subjugation of the female. Genesis 3:16 is where it begins in Christianity. As a side note, there is an earlier story that goes into a bit more detail. Not many people know this, but according to earlier myths, Adam had a wife *before* Eve. Her name was "Lilith." According to the accounts, during sex, Lilith did not want to always be on the bottom. She wanted to be on top. Her argument was simple. In the original creation myth, she like Adam was formed from the dust of the Earth and was equal to him in all respects. She saw no reason to assume the subservient position during sex. According to the story, this made Adam unhappy. He decided to complain to God. Lilith pronounced the divine true name of God and flew away. God sent angels to bring her back, but she refused. Thus God consigned Lilith to the outer darkness. God then made Eve for Adam, but this time he created Eve from a rib bone of Adam. By creating her *from* Adam, Eve was made the lessor of Adam. Lilith responded by cursing Adam and Eve and vowing to destroy their offspring. The Lullaby has it's origins as being a song sung to ward of Lilith and protect babies. Crib death or sudden infant death syndrome was attributed to Lilith taking her terrible vengeance.
Down through history women who possessed knowledge and understanding, have quite often been called witches. Under certain religions, they were hunted down and murdered. In many cultures, women have been denied education. They have been forced to bear the blame for unwarranted sexual attacks upon them by men. In some cultures even today they are forced to wear bulky, cumbersome garments to conceal whom they are. They've been given in marriage without their consent. They have been beheaded by their own family members because they were careless enough to dishonor their families by being the victims of rape.
Ever here the phrase, "rule of thumb?" That comes from an old English common law which stated, a man cannot beat his wife with a stick any thicker than his thumb is round. The old adage about you can tell a man by the size of his hands... probably was an excuse women used when looking at a man's hands to have some idea of what they were in for... and not in a sexual way.
In the Bible there is recorded an episode wherein a mob of people drag a woman before Jesus whom they say had been caught in the very act of committing adultery. We all focus on the admonition, "let him who is without sin, cast the first stone." However, we fail to ask, where was the man? To catch someone in the very act of committing adultery, it must have been common knowledge that a tryst was occurring at a certain place, at a certain time between two people. How was it that they didn't get the man? According to Jewish law, he would be just as worthy of death as the woman. Either the man was a very adept escape artist, able to react with unusual speed in the middle of having sex, the mob was criminally inept, or even back then, the "boys will be boys" mentality was well ensconced.
If God is a "Spirit" as the Bible declares, God has no gender. It would be just as appropriate to refer to God as "She" as it is to use the common masculine pronoun. The implicit suggestion of male superiority must be examined. Whom says Adam was created first? Why not Lilith or Eve? When approaching a project it is most common to tackle the most complex parts first. I doubt anyone would contest the fact that females are much more complex than males. The female body is a wonder of complexity. It must conceive, carry, nurture and give birth. Following birth it manufactures milk to feed the child. The menstrual cycle begins at a certain age and ends at a certain age. The female body can stretch, distend and then regain it's shape. With all these systems working in perfect harmony, one could hardly deny that females are much more complex than males.
Perhaps religion was invented or adapted as a tool to ensure male domination? I can think of no validity to the notions of male superiority other than the classic fall back position of, "God said I'm in charge." Indeed most of the restrictions imposed by fundamentalist religions deal with women. How they wear their hair, how much makeup they can wear - if any - how they dress, their submissiveness to their husbands all these are placed on women. Men? Not so much. Yet, most all congregations are predominately female. It is almost as though they've developed some form of "Stockholm Syndrome" when it comes to religion that causes them embrace the oppression codified into their religious systems of belief.
Today we even have female clergy. This has always struck me as odd since the Bible clearly states in no uncertain terms that women are to keep silent in church.
[KJV] I Corinthians 14:34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
[KJV] I Timothy 2:11
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
[KJV] I Timothy 2:12
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
Somehow through the magic of interpretation, theological gymnastics and warping the "scripture" into a form more pleasing to them, we now have females pastoring churches. Actually, I have no problem with this. One would have hoped they might have brought some sensibilities based on life's experiences to the position. However, from what I've seen, they continue in the same chauvinistic vein as their male counterparts. If anything some of them take things to an extreme as though they're trying to prove themselves worthy to run with the Boys. It is a sad situation indeed. When you become the instrument of your own oppression, all hope is lost.
Am I saying that women should leave the Church? No I'm not. If it does something for you and you're getting something out of it, by all means stay where you are. However, if the Bible can be reinterpreted to allow female clergy, you too can do your own reinterpreting so that it benefits you. I don't care how much pressure your Church friends, or circle put on you, don't you marry a fool! All this, "men should be the head" foolishness is just that. You need to understand there is a way things are and a way you would like for them to be. Rarely are they the same. If your man has bad judgment he should not be the head. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Know your limitations and know his limitations. A competent man who is self assured will have no problem listening to your input and indeed will seek out your input. If you don't want to end up with a fool, don't you be one yourself. Far too often women buy into the myths which lead to their own subjugation. To wit: you don't need to study or get a degree, you can marry a man who will provide all your needs. Really? What do you need? If you aspire to the lifestyle a man with a good career can provide, he's going to probably have a college degree. Guess what. There is a 90% chance that the woman he marries, he will have met during his time in college. Bottom line? Education is important.
You can only dream what you know. The more exposure you have to new experiences and new places, the greater your possibility horizon becomes. So long as you remain within the confines of your ornamental pond, your growth will be limited. The ocean awaits.
Leads The Pardu Forewords 
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