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?
I have learned to imagine an invisible sign around each person's neck that says 'Make me feel important.
You're not free if you can't marry the person you love because a county clerk is imposing his or her interpretation of religion on you.
I don't wait for people to give me respect. I always give them respect.
For many women, and a fair number of men, saying 'I'm sorry' isn't literally an apology; it's a ritual way of restoring balance to a conversation.
She was a keen observer, a precise user of language, sharp-tongued and funny. She could stir your emotions. Yes, really, that's what she was so good at - stirring people's emotions, moving you. And she knew she had this power...I only realized later. At the time, I had no idea what she was doing to me.
He wanted to put his arms around her, but she had a darkness that seemed to stand beside her like an acquaintance that would not go away.
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