by Kristal Mcvicar

Created on: May 11, 2008

We tend, as a society in general, to lump these issues into categories. Should men and women be equal, should blacks and whites be equal, should Christian and Muslim (or any other religion) be equal and afforded the same rights in life.

The differences between men and women are not comparable to ethnicity, race or religion.

What must be considered always are the rights as human beings to be treated with fairness, equality and respect no matter what their sex, race, religion or any other affiliation society has grouped them within.

What also must be considered is each other's uniqueness as well.

I am a woman and very proud of it. I deserve to be paid the same amount of money, doing the same job as any other human being. I deserve all rights afforded others to be bestowed upon me without exception or discrimination.

However it must be said, that as a woman, I have been blessed with the unique ability to carry and nurture new life within my body. Men, on the other hand, carry the unique ability to physically protect because they are physically, on average, much stronger then women.

I have often said that the sixties confused us in that somehow, in our rightful quest to secure equality in many of the outer boundaries in life, we lost ladies and gentlemen.

I have personally had many men tell me that when opening a door for a woman, they have been verbally accosted for doing so. How sad that we cannot exhibit common courtesy and respect with each other without being condemned for doing so.

Men and women are different and I like it that way. Just because we are different does not mean we need to be discriminated against when it comes to professions, voting rights etc. As men or women we all have rights as human beings. We should celebrate the differences that exist between us and respect that we are all different in strengths and weaknesses.

Equality does not exist between man and woman because men and women are different. Each must happily respect and honor the others strengths and weaknesses and celebrate their uniqueness in life. To deny the physical and psychological differences between man and woman is simply doing a disservice to humanity in general.

It is my experience that most men and women truly do not want to be equal in every aspect of life because it is not always possible and seldom desirable. Women give and nurture life. Men protect and gather for those giving and nurturing. A perfect combination of strengths and weaknesses! Something to celebrate not condemn!

I believe in human rights being equal and fair to all. I also believe the world would be a gentler, and less confusing place if there was a return to the days of ladies and gentlemen who have love, honor and respect for each other.

Learn more about this author, Kristal Mcvicar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.