Originally Posted by
Loony
I can see the sense in this even though it might be radical but a paradigm shift has to begin somewhere.
Of course there is going to be opposition. Whenever there is a change in thinking there are going to be those who embrace it and those who reject it. But in the long run I think there will be benefits.
Being equal on the playground will not turn someone into a homicidal maniac. In fact, it might even curb the gender violence we are seeing across the world. Women are seen as lesser beings and are therefore open to rape and domestic violence. If we can foster a culture where children are taught from the get-go that we are all the same then the gap between the two sexes might close. Men will respect women more, and women will not see men as just good enough to work to bring in money, mow the lawn and take out the rubbish. At the moment focus is on rights for women, but I also think that the way women perceive men can also be very biased. We need to change stereotypes for both genders.
I applaud the Swedish government who is bringing into action what academics have been talking and debating about across the world.
EDIT:
The only thing which I do think is a bit extreme is the new word - HEN - for "him" and "her" which did not exist beforehand.
Then, on the other hand, the world progresses and evolves. No matter how much we would like to stand still in time, time does not stand still and the only thing which is constant is change. Languages evolve, and we are witnessing evolution in progress here.
I think it is a rather exciting change. I do wish that this system of education would be taught in South Africa. We desperately need to get the genders equal.