In our society, do we still put females on a pedestal?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 21:11:51 -0400

With the idea of women potentially joining and participating in combat units and their missions, how will we react to a female in trouble. Historically, we, as a society, have protected our females because they represent our mothers, sisters and daughters. Most of the population (I like to assume) reacts very aggressively when we see a man abusing a female and will stop the action from happening. Many may even do more than stop the abuse by physical means.

Will you react differently watching a female battle buddy be abused by a combatant rather than a male?

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Sep 17 at 2015 9:13 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 21:13:25 -0400

I definitely put mine on one. Might be why I have been married for over 25 years. She is my Queen. Happy wife = Happy life!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 9:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 21:23:51 -0400

Pedestal?

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 9:47 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 21:47:50 -0400

I'm aware of a few non-scientific "studies" (mostly grabbing a camera and setting up a 'situation') where those carrying it out demonstrated that people will leap to a woman's defense, but may actually make the situation worse when the genders are reversed.

The women I've associated with closely have tended to be the kind willing to try and take a chunk out of anyone giving them crap. It's usually just been a case of standing by and watching for the signal they want some help. As Mulan put it: "I hold 'em, you punch?"

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Sep 17 at 2015 9:58 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Thu, 17 Sep 2015 21:58:03 -0400

CPT Ryan Hignight, I 100% agree with your post sir. I have been in many discussions over the last couple of weeks on this subject. After reading many posts and defending and explaining mine, I have come to realize that it seems this thought process on the subject seems to evade many people. I think as its seems you do also more men will risk more and react differently in many combat situations if a female is involved vs just males. In my opinion there will be more casualties involved. They would not be directly to or caused by the female but I think subconsciously and indirectly caused by one or more females being present. Just my thoughts and way of thinking. I know it would be that way for myself and most if not all of the men I served with. Thank you for bringing up this very valid point that must be considered and studied by senior leadership.

Response by PO3 Jonathan Cooper made Sep 18 at 2015 2:16 AM

PO3 Jonathan Cooper — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 02:16:21 -0400

I think we do. I'm not sure if it's a society or cultural subconsious training, but it seems to happen. I'm not a fan of it personally because people are people, but that's just my opinion.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 18 at 2015 8:44 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 08:44:01 -0400

If you ask me, we should react to ALL our situations the same - and if you think you would react differently to a woman being abused by a combatant, then I would challenge you to react the same for ANYONE in that situation! If it were me being the one abused, I wouldn't care if you thought I was a women just to get you to help me! :-) I can tell you that when I was out there with my brothers and sisters, I would react the same as if any of them were my wife - I would do whatever it takes to help them - period.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 18 at 2015 2:18 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:18:19 -0400

There is no question that I have placed my wife on a pedestal and to a degree, I suppose, I tend to put most women on one (though lower) until they fall off. That being said, I am old enough to well remember the "double standard". Different behavior was expected of women and it was painfully unfair. Sadly, instead of expecting men to elevate their behavior to match that of women, we seem to have lowered our expectations of women (and I'm not just speaking of sexual behavior). One day while helping coach my daughter's soccer team I watched as a gang of girls got into a brawl with one another nearby. I was amazed at the ferocity of their attacks and even more by their language. I've heard farmers plowing a rocky field with a mule who might have blushed had they heard them. Sad... Bottom line: I most likely would respond differently in combat (if I were still young and virile enough to participate) to protect a female comrade than a male one. Indeed, I can well imagine how I might place myself and my comrades in danger because of my response. Then again, I'm old. Maybe you younger service members have a different attitude. Do you?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 2:32 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:32:13 -0400

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member I think there is definitely a perception towards females in general. If this is something that will mess with the male psyche of those in combats positions, maybe it would be best to have all female divisions or units. That way it allows those that are interested in serving in that field the option without putting their male counterparts in a no win situation.

I have served with hundreds of fellow service members across the branches and in all that time I have found male service members typically fall into three different categories. 1) Those that are more courteous towards females because of their gender. 2) Those that treat you exactly the same as your male counterparts (the good, the bad and the ugly). 3) Those that treat you worse because they are afraid that any show of kindness will be mistaken as favoritism or preferential treatment (females normally have to work twice as hard to compare to male counterparts).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 4:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 04:52:02 -0400

"And I believe you should put a woman on a pedestal.. high enough so you can look up her dress." -Steve Martin

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 7:41 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 07:41:11 -0400

Part of today's hubris involves PC, to the point gender neutrality, gender bending and whatever PC says is appropriate with most of this done on the fly. Or more likely than even that, is the color of the day.