As for equality, it would be good if we are treated equally whether at work, in government or in school. Unfortunately, there’s always some kind of stereo-typing in this world.

Btw, that’s new; I’ve just known the linguistic history of that word and its etymological meaning. And it seems that it’s true that we have to get our logic on when basing our opinions on stuff like these.

And I guess that’s the fact we see here in Indonesia when it comes to facilities for handicap people.

On Yoan: Yes, she’s crazy, no matter what she’s talking about, she always ends up with sex, or something related to that. Hahahaha..

Well since I am one of those ‘angkot-ers’ I quite seeing that (well, to me at least) major improvements. I even noticed when accompanying my dad to Jakarta that some of “Angkot” driver there is actually a woman. The progress is there though we still had to fight it.

I think we should give credits also to some women tennis player such as Venus Williams for her strong proposals to fighting for equal prize between men’s and women’s champion in Wimbledon. Before her proposals, the tournament provided less rewards money for the Women’s champion than the Men’s Champion.

My favourite cousin, Amita Bahar, wrote an interesting opinion that I think quite related to your article, from women’s point of view. I think you could find it entertaining also.

http://amitabahar.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/they-called-it-women-equality-and-emancipation-of-women/
Enjoy!!!!

Regards,
Mahel

Equality. I do believe in equality of universal human rights regardless gender. The morality of human rights naturally recognizes sense of fairness and justice, thus its quest for equality. It comes in the package.

But that’s morality.

In practice, it would be hard to literally measure an exact, balanced equality between genders. That’s basically like asking, who loves you most? Your father? Or mother?
How do we measure that?

But we could sense it with our minds and hearts; how both differentiates, yet compliments each other. Then again, there’s something that even law of equality itself can’t argue: nature, instinct.

It would be wise for people to value others, be it men or women, in a substantial way, not in vanity. Being noble or being a gentleman isn’t merely about giving a seat or opening the door for a woman, it’s about character. Being a feminist or an independent woman isn’t just about parking cars or as yonna said, hating marriage or a particular religion.

Three words that (perhaps!) could help resolve issues on gender equality: Don’t be shallow.

Thanks for this post, michael.

*chuckles at yoan’s comment. Good one.

On the other hand, as far as I know there is no dedicated parking spots for female in UK – mostly because it’s pretty much safe everywhere.

One thing that Indonesia needs, if we talk about equality, is actually follow the general/international rules for handicap people. More than often the buildings don’t provide access to handicap people, let alone handicap parking.

My friends and I were heading to the Ngopi Doeloe Cafe, behind Gramed, so we parked at BEC. As we walked by the building, towards, the bookstore, I saw a sign in front of the lot that said “Lady’s Parking”. I asked my friend what the hell that was for, because never before have I ever seen a gender-specific parking lot. Where else in the world does this happen? (Please let me know, because I might be more sheltered than i thought).

The first thought that crossed my mind when I saw that sign was that it was completely unnecessary. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. There is no reason why women should be given that so-called privilege of getting their own parking space. Is it offensive? No. On the flip side, like your gf said, we don’t have to sweat about driving around a traffic jammed bandung. But is it necessary? NO!

There is a line between chivalry and being condescending.
Being chivalric does not mean you’re being condescending. It just means you’re being polite. It means you have manners.

No one should deny that men and women are different.
However, differences in our genetic make-up does not signify inequality.

If Indonesia want’s to achieve true gender equality, showering women with strange privileges isn’t the right track. True gender equality is achieved when both men and women are given the same opportunities and chances.
Should that involve changing our day to day vocabulary? Personally, I wouldn’t go that far. After all the word “man” refers to the entirety of the human race, not men specifically. I’m a feminist but I don’t sweat the small stuff.

as for (as mentioned by Colson) rising when the lady of the house enters, taking the coats of arriving female guests, giving women freeway when standing in line (you do that? do you have a son?), opening doors, carrying bags and paying bills after dining together,,, I say, all of them also advantages the male species in a way that it feeds their ego *grin* You know, the need to feel that your presence makes some lady feel more comfortable,, that you have helped her by holding the door,, that you made that expensive meal possible, which is all very sweet by the way.

so you see; when we’re happy, you’re happy. Women get privileges in parking and Men get laid. :wink:

I’m not sure why i’ve never found your site before but i just did (via Indomatters). it’s a very nice site, i like it a lot, and a very interesting subject.

i don’t really believe in equal-genderless subject, but too tired to do this at the moment. I’ll be sure to come back, or maybe do a post meself later :)

nice to meet you Jubel!