Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity Essay

Love and Desire -A Sober Approach to Gender Equity - Essay Example It was more of an attempt to subject men to women. Sommers recognized this and rose against it as subjection was not the aim but assimilation and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across all sexes. There is perhaps no single statement that captures her ideas in entirety as the provided argument. This study seeks to explicate the meaning of her argument and the means she uses to present this argument. At the same time, the study also attempts to offer a personal view on the accuracy, and persuasiveness of the reasons she offers in support of her conclusions. Additionally, the study also traces the quality and accuracy of her argument when representing the views of an average woman and while discrediting the views of radical feminists. Lastly, we weigh her view against a probable response or view by staunch radical feminists such as Marilyn Friedman.This is one that starts with discrediting the views of radical feminists who consider feminism as a representation of two extremes, sexism and assimilation. In understanding these terms, sexism is discrimination based on sex largely defined by long-held stereotypes and traditions. On the other hand, assimilation refers to absorption of the minority by the majority to create a harmonious unit. In this regard, we can understand radical feminism as a fight to absorb the female gender into mainstream masculine activities as a means of fighting existent stereotypes on female inferiority. Sommers views this extreme as misguided as a woman can be free of these stereotypical and oppressive situations and still retain her feminine nature, simply, she does not have to fight to be a ‘man’. In trying to underline this argument, that a woman can enjoy her feminine nature without taking on the roles and mind frames of men, she cites what would satisfy an average woman. She notes that, an average woman is one who would derive utmost satisfaction from bearing children, having ample time to care for th ese children, having fair opportunities and being treated equally with their male counterparts. In summary, she notes that irrespective of the simplicity of these demands, it is still difficult for women to achieve them. It is at this point that she acknowledges that indeed a struggle must ensue for the average woman to achieve these goals. However, she is categorical that such dreams and aspirations cannot be achieved if they are sought through radical means. According to Sommers, a radical approach only underlines furtherance of false consciousness, one that is far from the actual concerns and priorities of a majority of women. This is understandable as a radical means represents a reactive force and not a reasonable force. In essence, a fight for fair inclusion of women is not a fight that can solely be won by women but one that also requires the input and participation of men. Having this in mind, it is quite apparent that men would be open to a reasonable means as opposed to a radical means. It is quite clear that Sommers’s argument is guided by this sobering reality.  Ã‚