I would have to agree with Simone de Beauvoir that in the past women have been placed or seen as secondary in relation to men. We have been put in a separate box (not just check Male or Female) but a separate box in life. Throughout history we have been seen as less; look how long it took us to get suffrage.

Being from the states, I can say that although we have yet to elect a woman as president, having had them in the running was at least a big step. Even in Houston, which is located in Texas (primarily a Republican state), we managed to elect a mayor that was not only a woman but also a lesbian. But even still, after such advances, I still feel that women are held back. I am not sure how to explain it but it’s still taking place.

I know this may be a silly thing to say but I think the fact that women are the bearers of children pays a role in it. Although Beauvoir didn’t go into it in the introduction I think it’s a big component. I mean lets think about it…back in the day (cave man days), women bore children and men protected the family. Then it went from women bore children to men protecting the home, bringing home the bacon, voting, etc. Now both can do it all except women still bear the children. So although we have now “proven” ourselves to be capable of everything men can do and more, the weight of childbirth is still upon us. Of course, I know there isn’t a natural way for a man to bear a child nor do I think it will make things better at this point. I think the fact that women are capable of conceiving a child and still manage to work and do the same as men is a phenomenal feat. It is nothing to be looked down upon and it something I look forward to doing in the future (farrrr future…still have time). But, it is something that takes over us and changes us whether it is mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. It is something that can make us stronger or weaker in the eyes of others….excuse me in the eyes of the Subject as Beauvoir might say.

I suppose my question is, are there any other big differences in men and women besides child birth that come to any ones else’s mind that have played a large role? Besides our sex, I believe it to be one of the biggest distinguishing factor.  

I would have to agree with Simone de Beauvoir that in the past women have been placed or seen as secondary in relation to men. We have been put in a separate box (not just check Male or Female) but a separate box in life. Throughout history we have been seen as less; look how long it took us to get suffrage.

Being from the states, I can say that although we have yet to elect a woman as president, having had them in the running was at least a big step. Even in Houston, which is located in Texas (primarily a Republican state), we managed to elect a mayor that was not only a woman but also a lesbian. But even still, after such advances, I still feel that women are held back. I am not sure how to explain it but it’s still taking place.

I know this may be a silly thing to say but I think the fact that women are the bearers of children pays a role in it. Although Beauvoir didn’t go into it in the introduction I think it’s a big component. I mean lets think about it…back in the day (cave man days), women bore children and men protected the family. Then it went from women bore children to men protecting the home, bringing home the bacon, voting, etc. Now both can do it all except women still bear the children. So although we have now “proven” ourselves to be capable of everything men can do and more, the weight of childbirth is still upon us. Of course, I know there isn’t a natural way for a man to bear a child nor do I think it will make things better at this point. I think the fact that women are capable of conceiving a child and still manage to work and do the same as men is a phenomenal feat. It is nothing to be looked down upon and it something I look forward to doing in the future (farrrr future…still have time). But, it is something that takes over us and changes us whether it is mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. It is something that can make us stronger or weaker in the eyes of others….excuse me in the eyes of the Subject as Beauvoir might say.

I suppose my question is, are there any other big differences in men and women besides child birth that come to any ones else’s mind that have played a large role? Besides our sex, I believe it to be one of the biggest distinguishing factor.