The fairer sex??

I've read about women being the kinder, gentler gender - and I've read the rebuttals. Nature vs. nurture...

This weekend Katie Paige and Amelia were in their first "dance performance". They had been rehearsing day after day and were hysterically excited about the big event.

The end of the performance included a quick line up of girls where one at a time they would bow and run off the stage. Amelia had been second in line during the practices. But apparently there was some confusion in the heat of the moment and another little girl grabbed the second spot. And Amelia did what you might expect... she gave Audrey a big shove. And Audrey shoved her back. So there was my girl, center stage, having a smack down with her dance mate. In front of all the parents. I was so proud...

I remember having moments of rage as a child. When I didn't get my way or when things were so obviously unfair.

I believe the idea that gender somehow makes us kinder and fairer is fantasy. We might be taught to contain it or to direct it in different ways (emotional tormenting?) but the competition, mean streak, and anger when things aren't fair or right is still there.