Women: Not More Empathetic Than Men, M'kay?
Much thanks to Slate for taking a hard look at claims in two recent books that "studies have proven that women are naturally more empathetic than men." This hasn't been proven, actually. Hey, maybe someday--Borat's brother has done some interesting research-- but it hasn't happened yet. I will happily read any number of studies on gender differences in behavior and attitudes and brain function and muffin consumption, whatever--it's a fascinating and worthy area of inquiry! But please don't take a big leap over the scientific method in order to make grand statements (I'm looking at you, Louann Brizendine. I bought your book and you owe me $$). So what's your favorite fake gender differences "fact"?
Saying women are more empathetic than men is sort of like saying giraffes are taller than gerbils. True perhaps, but not much of an accomplishment. Men revel in their lack of feelings. If you doubt, watch a Bud Light commercial once. The one where the guy tells his girl friend that he's got to visit his sick grandma and watches football and drinks crappy beer instead. If it weren't true, how come they are selling so much crappy beer?
Me, I like to drink crappy wine with my pals and talk about crappy men. That's empathy.
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