The So-Called Reasonable Man and the F-Word
We become so used to things that we forget to question them and they become just the way it is. ‘The Reasonable Man‘ is a concept that has been drilled into my academic brain from the infant stages of familiarising myself with the legal world. For years I have learned and regurgitated what a reasonable man entails in a legal sense, as per the principle in the law of Tort.
Recent studies have led me to question this concept in a general sense as to mirror the legal precedent of “a man of reasonable foresight and fortitude”. We don’t look for perfection in any sex, merely fairness. I don’t despise men or wish for any harm to befall them but I do wish for an increase of equality given historic and current developments.
Throughout my ongoing studies, I have encountered and reiterated hundreds of principles and precedent phrases that render the term “man” as a legitimate depiction of all that is good and right in the world. I appreciate this terminology dates back to the 1600s but still, maybe it’s time for an introduction of equality into every eventuality in legal and nonlegal settings. The perception of man as superior is long standing in society and I welcome the snail pace change that has been coming for so long.
Disparity between the sexes has led to our generation being separated in real life situations such as the workplace, political status, bodily autonomy and sexual harassment. However, these areas have begun to shift recently as women are striving to live side by side with men, as opposed to behind them.
Unreasonableness
These unreasonable actions of a portion of the popularity of man are apparent through many areas of life. From the moment we sit at our desks, receive our pay cheques, play sports, go into politics, stand up for bodily autonomy and so far and so forth. The reasonable requests of reasonable changes are somewhat belittled to such a degree that dishearten the opposite sex of woman to a place of frustration, not to be confused with aggression. The bossiness acquisition that ensues when a woman takes a stand or eludes superiority, occurs as it leaves men insecure.
The wall of judgment and annoyance grows at the very mention of equality as the phrase “oh here she goes again” is muttered under the breath of some male co-workers when discussing the F word – feminism. This unreasonable attitude is something women grow used to at times. Yet, when we see bombs being dropped and feuds between male world leaders as countries are mutilated due to the decisions of the man, I feel like muttering “here they go again” in response.
Women’s bodies have been decided upon in a physical and legal sense as some men feel the right and reasonable expectation to do with us what they wish from harassment to termination of pregnancy. It was recently expressed to me that if anything did ever happen with pregnancy, “England isn’t that far to go”. Is that a reasonable response to Ireland’s stance on the eighth amendment? Merely that England isn’t that far away? I would have to say no.
Speaking out and being angered about why accused men in Hollywood get off due to being a “victim” due to sex addiction or and why radio presenters are awarded their own show subsequent to sexist slurs, sends me into frustration. Yet women are the sex that is requested to calm down when expressing any inkling of fairness.
The current position
The small details are the ones that have the most impact. The letters addressed to “Sirs” ignites a degree of frustration in me when I read letters addressed to myself in a professional environment. Is it reasonable for all letters addressed to myself be categorised into this box?
We make excuses for the unreasonable actions of man because to do otherwise is to cause discomfort and criticism for speaking out. In recent months the increase of accusations of man’s behaviour toward men and women has been astounding. The suppression of women due to power and status is being set free.
Reasonableness asks for the same pay as men and not 14% less. It asks for women’s attire not to be commented on when running for political positions. It asks that women not be put in this category of “being” a certain way because that is how they are meant to be through appearance or demeanour. These celebrated changes do not detract from mens status in the world, but they do encourage a positive increase in womens.
