Articles
Do Women Need Men?
Our society is plagued by “truisms” that aren’t true. These are statements that reflect a prevailing ideology championed by influential subgroups. These truisms show up in articles, talk shows, op-eds and especially various Hollywood media and university campuses.
Here is an example of feminist fiction I recently came across, of all places, in a retail warehouse magazine. Australian actress Marta Dusseldorp observes about a character she plays on television: “She defines herself by her individuality and her lack of need for men in any kind of way, shape or form except to have sex with, which I really like because there are women like that out there” (Costco Connection, August 2016, p. 91). Yep, in a magazine peddling farmed tilapia, back to school bargains and a Miami vacation is our daily dose of feminist propaganda. A couple of questions:
Why do we hear or see such statements so often? And where is the counterpoint commentary? Thoughtful exposure of such inanity is not forthcoming because of the PC pressure weighing upon anyone who dares challenge the status quo in print.
The marketplace of ideas is flooded with mindless drivel, not because it represents mainstream morality, but because those that control the content are sympathetic to the message. Either it reflects their own moral code or they assume it will resonate with consumers. Gradually, societal mores are affected: “Everybody must see it this way because it’s all I ever hear.” Business executives, college administrators and Hollywood producers are peddling their philosophy to an unsuspecting public.
Is it true that the only reason women need men is for uncommitted, recreational sex? Should such a mindset be held by any self-respecting female, much less trumpeted as an ideal for young women, many of whom (in Australia anyway) admire this actress? (Oh, sorry, female act-persons are now known simply as “actors” – except when desperately want to win the Oscar or Emmy for “Best Actress.” Shouldn’t consistency demand there be only one category for best performance? But I digress.).
So, here’s my politically incorrect answer: Yes, women need men, just as men need women, regardless of feminist denials. Humans are created entities; we didn’t just arise out of the muck. This means we had a Creator, and that Creator made males and females to be complimentary so that “the two shall become one flesh” (Gn 2:24; Mt 19:5). God’s design is for one male to join with one female in marriage and bond emotionally, sexually and spiritually so that each receives the necessary, continual support to thrive. Also, a stable foundation is established for bearing and nurturing children, giving them stability, comfort, protection, teaching and everything else necessary to develop into a healthy adult. There is absolutely nothing demeaning or derogatory in saying women need men.
No doubt there are individual cases where a given woman lacks a compelling desire to be married or is not afforded the opportunity. She is no less a valuable human being and full-fledged citizen of God’s kingdom. But this is not the norm (Mt 19:10-12). Yet feminist ideology seeks to normalize and impose this viewpoint.
This model which has served mankind well throughout history in spite of imperfect implementation is denied primarily by those who crave indiscriminate sex, who shirk the responsibility of marriage and who have caricatured men as undesirable Neanderthals unfit for long-term relationships. The physical sexual act can’t be isolated from the broader equation without destroying its true nature and purpose. This is the lie of every age, a pipe dream that always tantalizes but never delivers. Just because you tell the same lie over and over again doesn’t make it true.
