Let’s just say it: Ranch women prove equality of the sexes is a myth
December 21, 2015
I’m writing this because I believe it needs to be said. Admittedly, I’m starting with a certain amount of trepidation, because even though I know I’m 100% correct, I also know I will inevitably break some rule of political correctness in the process.
It has been in vogue for quite some time to talk about the equality of the sexes. We are breaking down the glass ceiling in corporate America and even the last bastion of “maledom,” the military, is allowing woman into combat roles.
Yet, I would contend that all of this talk about equality of the sexes is ridiculous, and yet it is so politically incorrect to say it. As a result, we refuse to even address the reality. So I’m taking a stand, and saying it once and for all – the sexes are not equal.
Anyone who has had a mom or simply spent time around either sex knows that women tend to be vastly superior to their counterparts. I’m not trying to diminish the role of men. In fact, I’m thankful every day that I was born a man; I harbor no illusions that I’d be tough enough to be a women.
65 Photos That Celebrate Cowgirls & Cattlewomen
Ranch women are often the backbones of our cattle operations. Enjoy these stunning photos here.
Every rancher knows that his most important asset is his cowherd, but that doesn’t mean the bull battery is not important. I have to admit, I’m sympathetic to man’s attempts to hold on to our command of the battlefield and business world. After all, in the truly important areas like family, we all know that we are regulated to a secondary role.
It isn’t sexist, at least not at my house, to expect my wife to be a full-blown partner in our cattle enterprise, to know what is happening in our kids’ lives, to work full time at her “real” job, to make our home a home and to generally maintain the ship. None of the males in the household could do it. It is simply a matter of talent and ability.
It is safe to say that 98% of all ranch couples I know are well aware of this natural hierarchy. It speaks to the nobility of the fairer sex that they don’t always insist in making us “guys” recognize it. I’m not so proud to say I don’t appreciate them letting us carry on the charade of occasionally acting like the boss.
Even that, though, is recognition of the frailty of a man’s ego. Man, in his attempt to validate his existence, has always relied on three things:
His ability to provide for the family—while mom provides, she is also takes on so many more roles that we should have a fighting chance at holding our own in this area;
His willingness to die for his family—it is noble, and while everyone has always known the protective power of a woman, she is simply too valuable for this role;