Dec 8 2011: The fact that evolution occurs at all is evidence of the impact of environment on genetics. Those who are best suited to an environment prosper. The environment however has a great enough influence that those without the genetically endowed characteristics needed to survive it will die.
Thus the environment is the stronger of the two - capable of creating change in genetics and altering the course of evolution (such that we ARE different from dogs).
Dec 8 2011: I remember being in class at a Catholic elementary school and a teacher saying that if you really want to occupy your time because you have nothing to do, try contemplating how old God is (ie. the Bible says he is infinite and has no beginning and no end).
Now that I have grown and am agnostic, I have replaced this with the age/size of the universe. It actually makes me very uncomfortable when I try to contemplate this.
Jun 28 2011: There is more than one purpose for sexual relations, even the Catholic Church has recognized this. While between a man and woman, sexual relations had the evolutionary purpose of procreation. However, the church (and psychologists everywhere) recognize that they also play an integral role in building and sustaining healthy relationships. With the advent of various reproductive technologies even most heterosexual sexual encounters are never engaged in with the intent (or possibility) of procreation.
Jun 28 2011: Then I guess one facet of the complex answer we are developing is that if there has to be oppression to facilitate privilege (which I agree, is needed for this outcome), then both must go. Nice in theory, but as with many other theories, would it actually work in practice?
Jun 28 2011: Gender is a wonderful thing, there is nothing inherently bad about it. There would be so much we would miss out on with out gender (cough cough). I agree with Ben - diversity is something to be embraced (think mosaic, not melting pot), the issue comes when one particular choice or characteristic is labelled bad, wrong or immoral.
Jun 28 2011: I don't particularly like affirmative action, however there are ways to increase the number of women in government that don't rely on simply being given them. For instance, increasing the number of female nominees. Here in Canada, we had a federal election at the beginning of May and the majority of the parties had 20% or less in terms of female candidates, while one in had 50% for the first time in history. This gives women a more equal playing field. More women nominated = more women elected.
Being a feminist in today's society rarely comes with a positive connotation. I believe may make the mental connection between feminism and women who think men are inherently "bad" or "weak" or "less." Women who act has though we should still be treated better than men are feminism's issue. Women need to be treated differently, yes - we are biologically unique from each other - but this does not excuse less pay for equal work OR mean that one gender is better or worse that the other.
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A reply on Conversation: In ten words or less, what is a question no one (yet) knows the answer to?
Thus the environment is the stronger of the two - capable of creating change in genetics and altering the course of evolution (such that we ARE different from dogs).
A reply on Conversation: In ten words or less, what is a question no one (yet) knows the answer to?
Now that I have grown and am agnostic, I have replaced this with the age/size of the universe. It actually makes me very uncomfortable when I try to contemplate this.
A comment on Conversation: In ten words or less, what is a question no one (yet) knows the answer to?
A reply on Conversation: LIVE TED Conversation: Join TED Speaker Alice Dreger
A reply on Conversation: LIVE TED Conversation: Join TED Speaker Alice Dreger
A reply on Conversation: LIVE TED Conversation: Join TED Speaker Alice Dreger
A reply on Conversation: LIVE TED Conversation: Join TED Speaker Alice Dreger
Being a feminist in today's society rarely comes with a positive connotation. I believe may make the mental connection between feminism and women who think men are inherently "bad" or "weak" or "less." Women who act has though we should still be treated better than men are feminism's issue. Women need to be treated differently, yes - we are biologically unique from each other - but this does not excuse less pay for equal work OR mean that one gender is better or worse that the other.