Patronising rules make a mockery of gender equality

It’s a given that women have been given a raw deal. And feminist activists are to be commended for getting many of the wrongs righted. At the work place, more women are getting the same promotions and packages as men.

On the home front too, men are sharing what was considered a “woman’s place” by mopping floors, cooking and changing nappies. In some cases, men are staying home while their wives are holding down jobs that before have been hogged by men.

These changes are mainly taking place in the Western world but, sadly, in countries where skewed religion still dominates, women are being suppressed and treated badly. But one such region is now allowing women to drive.

However, the evolving gender scenario has been hijacked by the fanatical fringe demanding ludicrous rights that are denting the sympathy, understanding and acceptance of the lot of the woman.

First, it has called for changing the signs at public toilets. One UK retail outlet felt obliged to change the logo of a mother with a child to show only a child “because men are also taking care of babies in public rest rooms”.

Hey, what about the latest farcical demand? Betsy, my Dubai correspondent, shows me a cutting from a local newspaper. Ironically it’s a report out of Germany. Evidently, the equality commissioner has suggested changing the name of the anthem to “Homeland” instead of “Fatherland”. But an unsmiling Chancellor Angela Merkel thunders, “nein!” – and under her breath, “donnerwetter!”

Austria has already revised its anthem, substituting “sons” with “daughters and sons”.

Not to be outdone, Canada changed “all thy sons” to “all of us”.

What happens with bisexuals and transsexuals? How would the signage depict them?

I’m sure these folk, who for long have been ostracised, would object to be branded in public.

Surely they’ll be happy to be accepted in society without the patronising bull demanded by some of their compatriots, who are going for overkill?

Places like restaurants are moving towards communal toilets where gender plays no role.

Sooner or later, they’ll become accepted as the norm – as long as we all adhere to common hygiene rules.

Cliff Buchler

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