this essay by katherine brengle rather fits in with a few postings i've done recently

(lily, katherine used the word feminism NOT me........)

it's a damn fine essay.
March 28, 2006
The Next Wave: Feminism in the 21st Century, Part IV
March Wrap-Up
By Katherine Brengle
As Women's History Month draws to a close, here are some questions and facts it would do us all good to spend some time seriously considering:Whether I am a woman or a man, how do I treat women? How do I treat them in reality, and how do I treat them in my mind?Whether I am a woman or a man, do I use gender-specific language that is meant to marginalize women and their contribution to society? Do I feel the need to add the qualifiers "woman" or "female" to occupations such as doctor, executive, engineer, professional athlete? Do I use words like "slut" and "whore" to describe women, regardless of whether or not they are promiscuous or accept money in exchange for sex? ........

..........If I am a woman, do I consider my menstrual cycle something to be ashamed of and “discreet” about? Do I always feel the need to dab on makeup before leaving the house, for fear of not looking my “best” for other people? Do I wear clothing that is uncomfortable in order to look “hot” or “sexy” for other people? Do I restrict food consumption when I am eating in public, out of fear of looking “unladylike” or like a pig? ..........

.........If I am a man, do I find myself assuming that my female significant other will do the majority or all of the housework, regardless of whether or not both of us work outside the home or who works more hours?...........

.....There are 14 women currently serving in the United States Senate. There are 86 men currently serving. Female Senators make up 14% of the Senate. The United States population is almost evenly divided between the sexes–but one sex is vastly under-represented in the Senate.There are 67 women currently serving in the United States House of Representatives. There are 368 men currently serving in the House. Female Representatives make up 15.4% of the House.60% of women in relationships work outside the home. Women make up almost half of our nation’s workforce. But women make up only 2.7% of the highest earning bracket.57% of college students in the United States are women. One in five women will be the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. Every 2-5 minutes, a woman is raped somewhere in the United States. 90% of rape victims are women. Of the 10% who are male, 70% are raped by men. .........