(Warning…this is not intended to be politically correct, just objective observations from daily living)
5 days ago, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said that women in the U.S. military — including the Army and Marines — can now serve in combat posts. “There will be no exceptions,” Carter said. The military playing field has been leveled and men no longer are to be given the advantage over women when it comes to career opportunities in the armed services; no longer will men hoard all the glory of war just for themselves. Even if tests and findings may prove that women are not physically built like men, (see: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/2015/09/10/mixed-gender-teams-come-up-short-marines-infantry-experiment/71979146/) the American consensus is clear – – women should have the same right to fight and lead combat units as men do. Because really, we are not that different after all. For many women in the military, this is a huge victory; because to them, combat is seen as the highest honor for the trained soldier and they too should be afforded the same opportunity as men to wage war.
(It is funny how combat used to be seen as a necessary evil, something that was to be avoided at all costs; killing another human being was not something to be glorified nor desired. My grandfather insisted he only fought out of duty, not glory. Now combat is considered to be the noblest of vocations, a grand opportunity that women should be allowed to participate in as well. Men of the past wanted to protect women and children out of sincere love and an honest understanding of how ugly, dirty and dark combat really is. Now women want equal rights to be in on the blood, carnage, and dying as well.)
So even though the arguments continue to be waged, women have won. They have earned the right to fight alongside men. Not only is this true in the military, but women are being liberated on all fronts. You can find women in every sport and competitive venue that was once only dominated by testosterone-driven males. Look around, we now have the WNBA, Women’s Football, Rugby and Hockey, women dominating in Hot Dog Eating Contests, a woman completing the America Ninja Warrior course and now women are the big event when it comes to MMA coverage. Who hasn’t heard of Rhonda Rousey?
Maybe women and men are the same after all?
The culture at large is persuasive, and they almost had me convinced that the sexes are growing more equal and alike every day. You can’t help but admit that we are not that much different, especially after Bruce Jenner has crossed the gender gap with virtually no problem. Hilary will probably break the glass ceiling and win the presidency. And maybe, just maybe, God didn’t make men and women that different after all? I mean who needs both a mom and dad now that gay marriage has been legalized?
Just when I was ready to give in and admit complete equality of abilities, interests and desires with women I entered into a bookstore and found something that snapped me back to reality. My belief systems may seem traditional and outdated, but what I found undeniably proves men and women really are different after all. I never really noticed it before, but there it was, the evidence was staring me square in the face: Amish Romance books! Who in their right mind would ever buy Amish Romance books? Women, that’s who.
This is the sort of evidence that is subtle — but it is irrefutable proof that women really are different than men. I have never once met a man who wants anything to do with Amish Romance. I decided to do some more extensive research on this genre, and here are some reasons why women read these books…
“Let me say, this is my absolute favorite genre in the Christian fiction area! I just love the simplicity of their lifestyle. When I first started being an avid reader again, Amish was the only genre that I would read because I felt pretty confident in knowing they were clean reads. Not only that but I love the idea of having a relationship without the noise and confusion of the modern world.”
Listen to this dialogue:
“Okay, so I have never read any Amish fiction before. What is a good author or book to start with? Any suggestions on that?”
“Oh goodness, that’s my favorite genre!! I enjoy Wanda Brunstetter, but a lot of people feel she is too simplistic. If you like a good mystery mixed in with romance, perhaps Marta Perry or Barbara Cameron. I just love to imagine living in such an uncomplicated world!”
Men just don’t think like this and never will. First of all, men like machines, technology, toys and making things work better with gas and oil. While the Amish work their land and make sturdy furniture, they don’t get to use any of the fun stuff to do it with. Like tractors, chain saws and drill presses. The Amish don’t even get to own their own Ford F-150 pickup truck. Where is the fun in that?
Secondly, men are more honest about the lack of romance in the Amish world. Women like to fantasize about strapping men with beards — but have you really ever taken a good look at real Amish beards? Creepy, there is no romance in them what-so-ever. Have you ever really tried to talk with an Amish man? Romance is the last thing on their mind. And remember Amish women don’t wear any makeup like the covers of romance novels depict. Men love it when a good coating of paint is applied to the barn!
I still am haunted by the times I had to watch “Little House on the Prairie” with my sisters. I think those shows are what drove me to watch sports…who cares what color bonnet Nellie Olson is wearing to church? Makes me gag just thinking about it. Secretly, I often wonder if some moms home school so they can have their very own Laura Engels dreams come true.
Let’s face it, we can force ourselves to try to believe there are no differences between men and women, but then all of a sudden something odd like Amish Romance books reveals the lie for what it is. Men and women are different, they always will be, and sometimes it is nice to admit it.
That’s all…
