Gender

Hmmm

Until I saw this satiric New Yorker cover

I hadn’t been consciously aware that the oceanic divide among Supreme Court justices was, with the exception of Amy Coney Barrett, characterized, not only by politics and ideology, but by gender.

I wonder if Justice Barrett finds that a lonely reality? And might that be reflected in much of the commentary suggesting that she is navigating her own way, not falling into lock-step with her hard-right colleagues?

So much has been written in recent decades about the different ways men and women perceive and navigate the world. I wouldn’t presume to cite this as the best explanation of the seemingly bitter division in the court, and in our country.

But what to make of suggestions that the hard line Republicans have a clear majority among men, while the Democrats poll strongly among women?

You’ll notice that almost everything I’ve written thus far is in the form of questions.

Along with just about every subtle and significant human dynamic we might name, what to make of how different genders perceive reality, is a mystery beyond reach of intellect.

As women have increasingly taken their place in power structures, we try to discern whether women will increasingly use and relate to power as men have historically.

Might there be more consensus, fewer wars?

Less income inequality?

If, as seems possible, Kamala Harris should emerge from the chaos the Democratic Party is suffering, as the presidential candidate, would there be less pressure for her to prove her mettle, as there was for Hilary Clinton.

Or will we say again that, unlike so many nations around the world, we’re not read for a woman to lead us?

Mary Robinson, president of Ireland from 1990 to 1997, a passionate advocate of gender equality, finally stepped down, saying she was exhausted from the expectations she faced in the role.

Could it be that women don’t find power as seductive as men do?

As an 84 year old man, I find these issues fascinating. Maybe even of critical significance.

You?