Jabberwocky for 2004 February 29

The lesson plan tomorrow calls for a discussion on gender equity, with writing assignment to boot. One of the articles in the anthology is a debate on whether women should be drafted. One writer argues that drafting women, just as men are drafted, would be a false equality because the military does not treat female recruits the same as male ones. For example, women are not assigned to combat positions.

Of course the edge on this one is getting narrower and narrower. But I was thinking, would I be willing to be drafted to serve my country in the military. Yes, I think I would if I were needed. I think if a person believes in equality, then they have to take all the ramifications as they come.

HOWEVER, I don't think I would be any good as a soldier. I have never been buff, strong, and healthy. Don't think I would make it through boot camp. If the military were to need me, there are many, many other things I can do and do well--office type work, writing, potato peeling, who knows but what I can do technical stuff. I just don't think I would survive hardship and combat. So am I equal? hmmm. Has biology turned around to bite me in the seat again?

I think I need to cheer myself up with the thought that everyone has something to contribute, and not everyone has the same something. Maybe you CAN compare apples and oranges.