Are We Sexist for Acknowledging Differences Between Men and Women?
In a thought-provoking column, journalist John Stossel tackles a contentious modern question: Is it sexist to acknowledge inherent differences between men and women? Stossel reflects on his own evolution from believing in gender-neutral upbringing theories to recognizing distinct traits based on his experiences as a parent.
The Historical Context of Gender Equality
Stossel begins by acknowledging the historical injustices faced by women, such as the fact that until 1974, women in many places could not obtain credit cards without their husband's permission. He emphasizes that the women's movement was necessary to address such systemic sexism. However, he notes that today, discussing contrasts between the sexes has become taboo, with many avoiding the topic altogether.
Heather Mac Donald's Perspective on Innate Differences
Stossel features insights from commentator Heather Mac Donald, who argues that society has become "insane" in denying obvious innate differences. Mac Donald points to historical patterns, such as men predominantly driving exploration, wars, and innovations. She cites examples like the Thirty Years' War and the Hundred Years' War, which were largely male-driven conflicts, though she also notes that female-dominated political parties in Europe have not necessarily been more pacifistic.
- Mac Donald asserts that men have a greater "passion for novelty, competitiveness, and aggression," leading to more inventions and entrepreneurship.
- She observes differences in children from an early age, with boys often showing higher aggression and different toy preferences.
- Mac Donald acknowledges exceptions, stating there are aggressive females and nurturing males, but emphasizes that these are averages.
Gender Roles in Leadership and Academia
The discussion extends to professional spheres, where Mac Donald challenges the notion that sexism is the primary barrier to women in CEO roles. She argues that women may simply have different interests and drives, such as a lesser inclination to work late hours on tech startups compared to men. Conversely, she praises women's contributions in fields like literature and music, citing figures like George Eliot and Amy Beach.
Mac Donald also criticizes what she sees as the negative impact of women in universities, claiming that pursuit of knowledge is being compromised by demands for emotional safety. She references a study finding that 60% of women prioritize inclusivity over free speech, compared to 71% of men who favor protecting free speech. Mac Donald contends that universities should focus on truth-seeking, even at the cost of discomfort.
Balancing Perspectives in a Polarized Debate
Stossel pushes back, suggesting that both emotional safety and truth-seeking have value. However, Mac Donald firmly disagrees, insisting that academic institutions must prioritize truth above all. This exchange highlights the deep divisions in how society views gender, with Stossel's column serving as a catalyst for reflection on whether acknowledging differences fosters understanding or perpetuates stereotypes.
Ultimately, Stossel's exploration raises critical questions about how we navigate gender discussions in an era where such topics are often fraught with tension. By presenting Mac Donald's arguments alongside historical context, he encourages readers to consider the complexities of biology, behavior, and societal norms without resorting to simplistic labels of sexism.
