LETTER: Start asking women
I think it’s interesting that men are so eager to speak on behalf of women. I was offended by “Rob” when he responded to Meredith Berger’s “Equality is the best philosophy” last Thursday. I would challenge him to actually ask his female friends what they think on philosophical or political matters; invite them into the conversation. Better yet, ask them their opinions on their own area of expertise so he can learn something instead of just trying to sound smart by talking about politics and philosophy. His female friends may be very discerning as to how opinionated a man is and may know that he will not respect what they have to say anyway, because his mind is already decided on the issue. Many times I have kept my mouth shut, not because I “shy away” or because I am not knowledgeable, but because I know the man talking would not respect my opinion regardless. There are other men or groups of men who respect my opinion, and in those circumstances, I am willing to engage in political or philosophical conversations. It may not be that women shy away; it may be that they don’t feel welcome, or that they do not wish to argue pointlessly with someone who won’t listen.