Whenever you bring up women's internal workings, guys want to change the subject. Unless, of course, they're trying to change the laws.
Interpretation
The quote highlights how men often avoid discussing women's issues unless it involves legislation.
Gail Collins points out a societal tendency where men's engagement with women's issues is superficial; they either shy away from deeper conversations or only show interest when it pertains to legal matters. This reflects a broader issue of gender dynamics and the often limited understanding or willingness to address women's experiences and perspectives.
In practice
During a panel discussion on gender equality, this quote can illustrate the lack of interest many men show in women's issues.
When I started giving talks about women's history, one of the things that bothered me was the tendency to say, 'Well, everybody was totally oppressed and suddenly in 1964 we rose up, got our freedom, and here we are.' It dismisses the women who fought for rights for several hundred years of our history up to that point.
For years I've been hearing 20-somethings say they don't expect Social Security to be around when they hit 65. Eventually, I came to realize that they really mean that they just don't expect to be 65. Or 40. Neither did I, when I was 22.
You hear younger women say, 'I don't believe I'm a feminist. I believe women should have equal right and I believe in fighting for the rights of other women, but I'm certainly not a feminist. No, no, not that!' It's just a word. If you called it 'Fred' would it be better?
That quiet mutual gaze of a trusting husband and wife is like the first moment of rest or refuge from a great weariness or a great danger-not to be interfered with by speech or action which would distract the sensations from the fresh enjoyment of repose.
I want to appreciate you without judging. Join you without invading. Invite you without demanding. Leave you without guilt.
We do not covet anything from any nation except their respect.
Growing up, I didn't feel cool; I didn't fit into any crowd.
Can anyone understand how it is to have lived in the White House and then, suddenly, to be living alone as the President's widow?
In every democracy, it is the people's will that is supreme. We should translate the intense yearning of the people of India and Pakistan for friendship into meaningful measures of cooperation in every walk of life.
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