Astrology and the Gender divide

[Guest guest]

Namaste Listmembers,

 

Salaam Dear Mu Min,

I am unable to fit the criteria of white,

middle-class and upwardly mobile, therefore I am probably not encouraged to

speak. However, I would like to offer my subjective opinions on what I have

observed and personally experienced re: Relationship issues and their inpact on

society. Dismiss or ponder at your discretion.

Firstly, Australia is a 'spoil' of war. Since the end of ww2 we have been

inundated with American pop culture and of course are familiar with Mickey Mouse

and Hollywood epics. These imports are frills which obviously have an impact on

our culture, but certainly not enough to be incorporated as another state of the

Good Old US of A.

We watch 'your nation', critically. Our cultures, while containing superficial

agreements and understandings have very deep differences.

One in Three marriages end in divorce in Australia. The newest trend of the

middle classes is not to marry or share the same abode. Relationships are

'working very successfully' by living apart, enjoying their own space and

privacy while intergrating a fulfilling social, sexual and

emotional/intellectual bond. This arrangement also seems to operate nicely even

with children involved.

It has been the internet that has introduced me on a personal level with

individual Americans. I find the majority of American men very polite.

Australian men are found lacking by comparison. Most American women are not so

polite and could be described a 'ball-busters'. They wouldn't last 2 minutes

with an Australian man. Firstly, she probably wouldn't understand their dry

sense of humour; which I find very amusing, and secondly she would not tolerate

their blatant sexism, and none too subtle subjugation of all she holds dear.

Australian women of all classes have difficulty with the brazen, yet

tenacious refusal of 'their' men to compromise, lest their manhood be threatened

and their 'individuality' (which is more of a group consciousness involving

mateship) be quashed. For example, middle class women, often earning more money

than their partners still have to come home from work, cook a meal for the

family, attend to the children and involve herself with house work, while the

exhausted male lounges on the couch with a beer, as his reward and fundemental

right as a working male!?.

My teenage daughter introduced me to Gangsta Rap and M&M. I was appalled!!.

The anger is raw and misogyny rife. I find the 'music' repulsive and requested

her not to play it when I am in the house. She told me to lighten up, "it's

funny"!. After all these years of fostering her self-esteem and respect for her

womanhood, it is now "funny" to be referred to as a 'hoe'!. I am not impressed;

yet another import that negatively impacts our country and individual lives.

Australia is a harsh land, the weather extreme and the men are tough.

Domestic Violence remains a major problem through every strata of society. Gang

rape has surfaced as common and ongoing. The figures are staggering. I also

learn much about today's youth culture through my child and her friends. It is

not unreasonable, as a parent, to worry everytime she walks out the door.

During the late 80's early 90's, government funded initatives addressing male

anger management etc, were making some small progress towards male emancipation

with a fairer, more nuturing, understanding towards loving relationships. This

funding was withdrawn slowly but surely, as was financial aid to 'safe houses'

for batterred women and children.

Then the 'Greatest Nation on Earth' the 'Guardians and Moral Leaders of the

World' (your words, not ours), imposes itself upon us, culturally, politically

and economically, in such a myriad of ways, I wonder what is to become of us!.

Our politicians bow and scrape to even minor American officials. It is

embarrasing.

As time has gone by, I have sunk well below 'working class'. I am shielded

somewhat from total powerlessness as I have a roof over my head and the worldly

experience gained through age/maturity. At this level, I see men do not have to

take responsibility for their offspring, they simply move on with impunity. Most

could be compared to cockroaches, they move into established 'nests', therefore

their basic survival needs are met. What's love got to do with it?.

Sounds bitter and angry to the 'perpetually, positive, smiley-faced,

existentialists who see the gorgeous garments of the Emperor's new clothes, and

in true American entrepreneurial style, charge $200 per hour in 'therapy' so we

can see it too!.

It is just reality as I observe and perceive it. Harsh reality, which if

taken seriously by the Government could be eased with honesty and dignity

restored within our interpersonal relationships through education and support.

We have seriously been under the tight grip of the "American Model" for

approx 20yrs now. There is no level playing field. All men are not created or

treated as equal. This model allows for 'throw away people'. There is a

shrinking middle class, with the rich becoming disgustingly so, and the poor

merely slave labour, with little to no hope of advancement. The inhumanity turns

my stomach.

Honestly, we were better off under the British.

How do you propose the nucleur family can joyfully flourish with so many

stresses and strains upon them?.

With Love,

Ann.