Never Underestimate the Power of Women

Women have been devalued throughout history and modern life. This lack of respect fosters division and can no longer be tolerated.

“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” Maya Angelou

Early morning sun was inviting me into the garden for a bit of spring clean up. Not going to happen before my morning latte with newspaper in hand however.

I came across an article in World News which increased the spring in my steps and not in a healthy way. There it was…again. Another woman mysteriously disappearing off the streets, this time in London.

She was white, attractive and educated, therefore receiving plenty of press. Turns out a police officer abducted and killed her. I wasn’t surprised. This same cop had also exposed himself in public three days prior to his crime. Anyone wondering why he was still working and not suspended?

“U.N. Women United Kingdom released new data showing that 97% of British women between the age of 18 and 24 have experienced sexual harrassment in public spaces. About 45% of women surveyed expressed a lack of trust in authorities.” Jennifer Hassan The Washington Post

My blood began boiling, not the best time to sharpen my loppers and pruners. I left for a vigorous walk through the forest instead, contemplating my triggered emotions.

97%! A young woman who hasn’t been sexually harrased is becoming an extinct species!

I was so very fed up with the personal safety threats women have been subjected to for eternity.

I mentally scanned historical archives striding through the fir trees. I was recalling societies and cultures honoring women or at least holding them in equal esteem with men. They are pathetically few and far between. Matriarchal cultures seldom merited an accurate or full recording.

For my own sanity, I decided to go way back to one of the original gender legends and offer an alternative interpretation. Perhaps men could profit from a female perspective. Here’s my updated version of Adam and Eve’s original sin.

The First Sign Adam and Eve Needed Couples Therapy

Serpent showed up one day while Eve was enjoying her innocent self in the lush garden.

“Hey Eve, what’s up? I have a new treat for you today. You’re gonna love this apple. Take a bite.”

Eve was a curious woman, a bit of a foodie and open to new cuisine.

“Will do Serpie. Thanks for thinking of me.”

Serpie watched with glee as Eve bit into that crunchy yet juicy sweet flesh.

“Wow, this is delicious! I want to share it with Adam.”

Eve ran off excitedly with her treat, Serpie slithering in her wake.

“Adam, you have to try this!” Eve takes another succulent bite, juice dribbling down her chin. “I’m already dreaming of pie, maybe crisp.”

Adam gratefully accepts her generous offering and sinks his teeth in. Eve immediately notices a difference in his countenance. His eyes bugging outward, scan her breasts then fixate on her nether regions. This had never happened before.

“Adam honey, why are you staring at my legs. Didn’t you like the apple? And what is that growth I see emerging? Are you unwell ?”

“I’m looking at your crotch Evie, not your legs. It’s that damn apple you forced on me, you evil witch. I saw the juice spurt into your mouth and then this [pointing downward] happened. I can’t control it. It’s all your fault!”

“But Adam, I took a bite and that didn’t happen to me.”

“Oh shut up and lie down so I can relieve myself of this unbearable pressure.”

“No Adam, I’m not in the mood and frankly you’re beginning to scare me. I thought I knew you but now I’m not so sure.”

Adam looks strangely possessed. Eve decides to visit a different section of the garden until he comes to his senses. He grabs her arm roughly as she departs, which also flusters her.

“Go invent some clothes woman. In the meantime, take this fig leaf and cover your indecent parts, you wanton temptress.”

“Ouchie Adam, you’re bruising me. What’s come over you? By the way, you’re still naked, so what’s with the double standard? I’m outta here dude. And in the future, don’t touch me without permission.”

And so it began, the sad tale of ongoing shame and blame with abnegation of personal responsibility leading the way.

Women are the bearers of life if they choose to reproduce. Many women are needed to keep the human population going and very few men are required in that regard.

I pondered if this largely unconscious threat was a factor in male dominance and aggression toward women. Our base impulses are usually not something we want to explore. Denial we have them is a more palatable option. The majority of men attend anger management courses only when the law requires it and seldom seek help voluntarily.

Women get angry too, even filled with rage at times. I rarely reach rage anymore. Having lived on the planet for 70 years come May, I employ more of an Eagle’s eye view nowadays than an up close and personal one. But the ongoing oppression surrounding women’s issues still grabs me like coyote perpetually chasing her tail.

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” G.D. Anderson

Women are steadily becoming physically stronger and often demonstrate more endurance than men in the long haul. I’ve maintained a fairly high degree of physical fitness throughout my life. I don’t need a gym or motivator to be fit. Why?

I was sexually assaulted twice in my teens. The first time was a few months after my 13th birthday and the second when I was 18. Both attacks happened in daylight when I was walking, fully dressed in teen fashion. I was not raped but held at knifepoint and endured attempted strangulation before I managed to flee.

I was never asssaulted in this way again. I made sure of that by cultivating a strong personal field as I moved through the world.

In my case, those two unforgettable lessons taught me vital survival skills and how to use fear effectively. They deeply informed my inner feminist, shattering a few illusions along the way. I don’t regret having them although I would never wish them on another. I heard far worse stories than mine over the years.

You’ll never catch me in high heels. I wear shoes I can run in if necessary. Same with my clothing. I’ve worn yoga clothes my entire life, including pajamas to kindergarten. So glad I’m finally in fashion. Ready to respond, that’s me.

I’m the one scanning every environment I enter. There’s a lot of women doing the same thing. We spot one another in the crowd. Women who have learned to pay attention, make no assumptions and watch your back.

How many men have to consider these factors? Very few in comparison to almost every woman.

“We’re here now, women are in the world and will not be bullied.” Meryl Streep

I’m also a woman who had men constantly mansplain why I shouldn’t travel alone during my younger years on the road. I was a walking temptation, a prime target. Adam’s apple asking for a bite.

When women are talked to in this condescending way, men are actually providing us clues to their own mindset rather than showing concern. Especially if they are body scanning and undressing a woman with their eyes while spouting away.

I was feisty and had to control my itch to dole out a little bitch slap, wake up call. It was MY butt being grabbed in crowds and MY breast being groped by the creep on the train when it went through a long dark tunnel. I got the picture loud and clear thanks.

But here’s the thing. I grew stronger and stronger.

I chose to live life through my heart. It led me into uncharted waters and on occasion, risky territory. I bolstered my courage, held faith in humanity and walked tall. I was living out my Explorer dream and no one was going to stop me.

I was surprised by the astounding acts of kindness and generosity I received from men of all ages. Two Italian brothers driving a large truck offered me a ride one afternoon near Milan. They were concerned about my safety and drove me to a hotel after a couple hours of shared laughter cruising along in the cab. One brother registered and paid for a room while the other distracted me with travel brochures.

I was presented with a key and told dinner and breakfast were included. They would return in the morning and take me to a train station. I was a back packing hippie staying in hostels or camping. I sat on the bed and took it in. A hot shower! A bed with sheets! Food I didn’t have to cook! All to myself! Wahoo!

They reappeared bright and early along with a package of homemade biscotti. They dropped me off at the station, refusing any form of payment, insisting I take their address and phone number in case of trouble. Stellar dudes.

“I raise up my voice — not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” Malala Yousafzai

Good men are everywhere and more are aspiring to clean up their act. All you kind guys out there, women need your support more than ever. We are half of the world population. You need us too.

Women are burned out on having to avoid the dark because a predator could pop out of bushes or show up with a gun. We’ve had more than our share of sleepless nights checking clocks until our daughters walk in the door.

The last thing we need is more fear in our world. There’s way too much of it as it is. We deserve the same freedom men experience. And it’s not a man’s job to grant it. It’s a human right.

Women are not to be played with. We’ve long been the mainstay for all humanity. We birthed, cooked and cleaned for the whole lot of you before men entered a kitchen and decided to call themselves chefs.

Be a stand up person if you witness a woman being harassed in any way. Change happens one person at a time and runs like a mighty river once it’s started.

And please, don’t make the error of underestimating a woman. It does something to us. Something you might not expect. Women are strong, intelligent, highly capable and on equal footing. We’re not going away.

I’m grateful for every man who honors and respects women for who we are. We can’t rewrite history but we can unite in the creation of a new awareness. A system benefitting the welfare of all humanity.

And I extend gratitude to my sisters standing strong. If you see a woman suffering, pass your torch to help light her way. Regardless of appearances, no one can rob us of the magnificent, innate power in our being. Go forth and shine your truth. You will be seen.