BEYOND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

There are some things that we as humans all seem to do, regardless of our upbringing. We smile - we cry - we roll our eyes - our first word always seems to be 'ma' or 'wa' (my children being the exception that proves the rule, of course - Harmony's first word was "shoes", Joy's was "food" and Josiah's was "SHUT UP!" since the girls were always talking for him).

Instinct? Genetic behavior? Survival skills? I don't know.

But it's our differences that seem to be emphasized, at least in the large political scheme of the modern world. Our view of God(s), our social observations, our treatment of others, our punishment of those who break our rules.

I have a very strong opinion that if women were in charge of things (world leadership, political positions, trade, etc.), a lot of things would be handled without having to resort to violence. My husband always gets quite upset when I bring this up, insisting that women are just as prone to defensive tactics, etc. I agree that we are prone to offensive moves, and yes, I'm certain there are aggressive females who would drum up some battles (the image of a shoe sales at Macy's immediately comes to mind)

But I also feel that without the high testosterone levels, we are more likely to be thinking about our children, their future, and how to care for all of us. We clean up - we take care of other people - we concentrate on our homes and our families.

Two very small and possibly silly examples come immediately to mind- the difference between male and female missionaries, and the difference between RS and Priesthood quorums (I guess I could even go into the difference between the YW and YM programs, but let's stick to these two).

Admittedly, young men in our church are expected to serve their full-time missions at age 19 (although the case can be argued that 19 may be their intellectual peak), and young women are not allowed to go until they are at least 21 (when their intellectual peak is not reached until at least 36 and often later).

But elders have rules, and time-schedules, and mission presidents, and zone and district leaders, and white books, and a lot of rules. The sisters are just sent out, and they work.

I've known personally two mission presidents say they would give almost anything to have a mission of JUST sister missionaries - "because you don't need to keep watching them!"

And anyone who has served in a ward or stake council knows that if you want it to happen, put the Relief Society in charge.

It doesn't look like it is going to happen in this world, but I honestly would love to see women be in charge, and see what happens differently.

Anyone out there got opinions about this? I'm curious (and no, Bro. Amon, I am not asking you for yours).