seniors aging gracefully

1. hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women, manifested in various forms such as physical intimidation and abuse, sexual harassment and rape, social shunning and ostracism, etc.: Historically witch hunts were an embodiment of the misogyny of the time.the underlying misogyny in slut-shaming;Historically witch hunts were an embodiment of the misogyny of the time.
2. ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against women; sexism.

Since the beginning of mankind, there have been an ambivalent feeling about women. Sure at times women are elevated as in queens and goddesses but for the most part women are viewed with distrust and at times frankly hatred. After all it was Eve that caused Adam to eat the apple. This myth is an example of how women are blamed for men’s inability to control their impulses.

While the status of women has evolved in western cultures, they nonetheless remain second class citizens. How long did it take for men to “grant” the vote to women. And indeed maybe 50 years ago women were not able to have a credit card in their name or own property. Women are raped, the statistics are alarming. And too often after a rape the system again rapes them so to speak, try proving a rape in court. And women are often afraid to report a rape fearing they will be shunned. Did you know that rape skyrockets during war time.

Other cultures are certainly behind the West in the treatment of women. In some countries there are restrictions on when women can be out in public, and whe n they emerge, they need to have every inch of their body covered. In Africa, young girls may be subject to surgery that damages the clitoris.

Why are men hostile towards women. the reason are complex. In part it stems from an inability to accept their feminine nature. And unfortunately, things are getting worse in recent years. There is a call for women to return to being barefoot and pregnant in the home. Women have not been granted promotions in the military and women in power are often ridiculed.

Joseph Campbell in The Power of Myth explores how women are seen historically, with a religious/spiritual framework. Freud explored a man’s struggle to come to grips with women in his Oedipus complex in which he writes about a boy’s desire to kill the father in order to have sexual relationships with the mother.

In my own life I can clearly remember how, less than 20 years ago, when I went with my boy friend to buy a car, the sales person only spoke to my boy friend, who finally said, it is she that is buying the car. On 2 occasions I was almost raped. My own mom would write me letters addressing them to “MRS” followed by my partner’s name. I was never married and I was a doctor.

If you are in an abusive relationship do not hesitate, get out. Stop coming up with excuses to justify your partner’s behavior or blaming yourself.