But at the very least, I would like the Vatican to give up this “girls are pink” and “boys are blue” mindset that is generations out of date.
The Vatican continues to sing the same old song of “complementarity” - that old saw that claims women and men may be equal but in a way that says they’re really not. Complementarity holds that women and men are very, very different - in ways that restrict the women to more submissive and passive roles, primarily nurturing mothers and helpmates. Pope Francis himself has stated that he approves of feminism, but only if it does not “negate motherhood.” [...]
Oh, they don’t call us wimps. They use far loftier terms. “Man is more analytical and has a greater capacity for analysis.” While, “the affective response of the woman is global, and feelings and their manifestation play an important role. They give value to what is spoken. ... Men compartmentalize and internalize affections to a greater extent.”
Worse, this sex education lesson for teens describe women’s bodies like all-night diners: “Inscribed in the woman’s body is the call to WELCOME both man and baby” [emphasis in original]. All we lack is a neon sign. [...]
What’s really sad is that if the Vatican wanted to seriously explore sexual morality in the 21st century, it could take advantage of the groundbreaking, respectful and brilliant work of Catholic theologian Margaret Farley. Her book, Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics, carefully frames the challenge of living a moral sexual life in the context of emerging science on sexual preference and gender identity. Church officials might have learned something from Farley’s thoughtful and scholarly work. Farley’s insights could have informed a much richer approach to sex education.
No comments:
Post a Comment