Helen, you hit the nail right on the head: you spoke of the fact
that women seemed to be "...competing to demonstrate what good
'carers' they are, instead...." I have observed and am still
observing this. In "public service" occupations (and nearly all
of them ARE anymore!), these "carers" seem to transport their
"skills" as supermothers to the workplace - ad nauseum! I have
seen them go to great lengths to "one up" another by going way
beyond the professional, and into the PERSONAL with a "customer/
patron/client," etc. This is not only ridiculous, it causes a
real CO-DEPENDENT relationship with the public that is exactly
like one in your personal life - TOXIC! Dysfunctional, at best.
As far as "men in groups" go - think about it. As shallow as (most)
men are with each other (never going into anything deeper than
the latest sports score, etc.) they are bound to never have any
quarrels! And, they are very careful to keep the same opinions.
IMHO, men too tied to groups cannot be their "own person," or have
the courage to give an individual view on something. They'd be
bounced right out on their ----! Yes - women do fight openly,
and many times over ridiculous things - but it is true, these are
the very insecure ones. (There are some men like that, too.)
I'd like to think that we're just a BIT more individual and
courageous in social/civic matters and speak our minds.
Jackie
