Whenever you bring up women's internal workings, guys want to change the subject. Unless, of course, they're trying to change the laws.
Interpretation
The quote highlights how men often avoid discussing women's issues unless it involves legislation.
Gail Collins points out a societal tendency where men's engagement with women's issues is superficial; they either shy away from deeper conversations or only show interest when it pertains to legal matters. This reflects a broader issue of gender dynamics and the often limited understanding or willingness to address women's experiences and perspectives.
In practice
During a panel discussion on gender equality, this quote can illustrate the lack of interest many men show in women's issues.
When I started giving talks about women's history, one of the things that bothered me was the tendency to say, 'Well, everybody was totally oppressed and suddenly in 1964 we rose up, got our freedom, and here we are.' It dismisses the women who fought for rights for several hundred years of our history up to that point.
For years I've been hearing 20-somethings say they don't expect Social Security to be around when they hit 65. Eventually, I came to realize that they really mean that they just don't expect to be 65. Or 40. Neither did I, when I was 22.
You hear younger women say, 'I don't believe I'm a feminist. I believe women should have equal right and I believe in fighting for the rights of other women, but I'm certainly not a feminist. No, no, not that!' It's just a word. If you called it 'Fred' would it be better?
The weekend break had begun with the usual resentment and had continued with half-repressed ill humour. It was, of course, his fault. He had been more ready to hurt his wife's feelings and deprive his daughter than inconvenience a pub bar full of strangers. He wished there could be one memory of his dead child which wasn't tainted with guilt and regret.
The confusing of marriage with morality has done more to destroy the conscience of the human race than any other single error.
I would never be part of anything. I would never really belong anywhere, and I knew it, and all my life would be the same, trying to belong, and failing. Always something would go wrong. I am a stranger and I always will be, and after all I didnβt really care.
Since desire always goes towards that which is our direct opposite, it forces us to love that which will make us suffer.
Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.
...Nothing that your partner does is personal. Your partner is dealing with her own garbage. If you don't take it personally, it will be so easy for you to have a wonderful relationship with your partner
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