Some questions for you to think about:
How do you view gender in the modern world ~ what do you consider proper masculine or feminine behaviour?
Gender difference sin the modern world are confused and mixed. I feel that if there is something, like a specific job, that a person wants to do, then they should do it, at least try. It doesn't matter what gender the person is. I do think, however, that we are built for certain types of tasks and jobs. I do think that we respect each other differently and that each sex needs to remember that. Respect must be shown for each... as we must all command it if we are going to receive it. Many of the ways the sexes are viewed is based on the culture of what you live. Most cultures take care of their woman because without them, there would be no babies, we could not procreate. The woman staying home and taking care of the children is not always the case any more though that is the way it usually works out. Men tend to still earn more money though that is also not always the case any longer.
I do think that where behavior is concerned, there are apropriate ways to act but most apply to both across the board. Those that do not apply across the board are more of a societal thing.. Such as men opening doors for woman ~ this is so nice and makes us feel appreciated but it is definitely a society action that was set many years ago. People should treat people with respect (even those who do not deserve it). People should be allowed to speak when needed and to be treated with kindness and caring. Also, violence is something that needs to only happen in the most extreme cases and never between couples. Violence is kept for the battle field.
Are there any insights into modern relationships that we could gain from studying the marriage and divorce laws of the Brehons?
I think that each partner having specific responsibilities in the relationship is a good thing. So many marriages break up because of things that should have been discussed before the marriage happened. When there is stress, things like who makes more money, who does the dishes, going to the bar after work every night, can break things apart quickly. There must be boundaries like in the contracts of previous cultures that give clear distinct behaviors that are accepted. Also, while marriage should not just be about having children, having laws that govern actions of the two parties would, I would think, make people think twice about how the treat the spouse. I might say this because I have been divorces twice now and both were emotionally and became physically abusive, so maybe I am looking for a way for that to stop.
I also think that having specific reasons for divorce might make people think twice before getting married and also make them work harder once they are. Marriage is suppose to be a life long thing.. even if it's just to raise kids... People today get married with the idea that if it doesn't work out, they can just get divorced. There are so many single parent families out there struggling to make it work and this cause such a difficult life for so many.
What are some of the advantages of single-sex communities? Have you ever participated in a single-sex ritual?
For me it would depend on the purpose of the community. I do understand where a single sex community could be advantagous for specific purposes, or just because it might make parts of life easier, and I am talking outside of same sex relationships... I have beent thinking about this and as I have never been part of a single sex ritual or relationship, I really do not know what else to say about it. I know that I would not want to live in one permanently especially as over the years, most of my friends have been men.
If so, how do you feel it differed from a ritual with both men and women present?
I have never participated in such a ritual but can see where it would be different. Woman have different power then men, it flows differently and feels differently. I can see where a same sex ritual would be a completely different feel then a mixed one.
Practical exercise:
Organise an activity with a group of friends the same gender as yourself ~ it doesn’t have to be anything particularly Druidic, it could be a night on the town, walk in the woods, a sporting event, etc.
Use the opportunity to watch how a group of men (or women) interact with each other ~ is it significantly different from when they interact in a mixed setting? Reflect on how you feel when with your own gender. Is gender a stronger indicator of behaviour than social class, religion, sexuality, etc? Keep a log of your observations and reactions, for future reflection.
How do you view gender in the modern world ~ what do you consider proper masculine or feminine behaviour?
Gender difference sin the modern world are confused and mixed. I feel that if there is something, like a specific job, that a person wants to do, then they should do it, at least try. It doesn't matter what gender the person is. I do think, however, that we are built for certain types of tasks and jobs. I do think that we respect each other differently and that each sex needs to remember that. Respect must be shown for each... as we must all command it if we are going to receive it. Many of the ways the sexes are viewed is based on the culture of what you live. Most cultures take care of their woman because without them, there would be no babies, we could not procreate. The woman staying home and taking care of the children is not always the case any more though that is the way it usually works out. Men tend to still earn more money though that is also not always the case any longer.
I do think that where behavior is concerned, there are apropriate ways to act but most apply to both across the board. Those that do not apply across the board are more of a societal thing.. Such as men opening doors for woman ~ this is so nice and makes us feel appreciated but it is definitely a society action that was set many years ago. People should treat people with respect (even those who do not deserve it). People should be allowed to speak when needed and to be treated with kindness and caring. Also, violence is something that needs to only happen in the most extreme cases and never between couples. Violence is kept for the battle field.
Are there any insights into modern relationships that we could gain from studying the marriage and divorce laws of the Brehons?
I think that each partner having specific responsibilities in the relationship is a good thing. So many marriages break up because of things that should have been discussed before the marriage happened. When there is stress, things like who makes more money, who does the dishes, going to the bar after work every night, can break things apart quickly. There must be boundaries like in the contracts of previous cultures that give clear distinct behaviors that are accepted. Also, while marriage should not just be about having children, having laws that govern actions of the two parties would, I would think, make people think twice about how the treat the spouse. I might say this because I have been divorces twice now and both were emotionally and became physically abusive, so maybe I am looking for a way for that to stop.
I also think that having specific reasons for divorce might make people think twice before getting married and also make them work harder once they are. Marriage is suppose to be a life long thing.. even if it's just to raise kids... People today get married with the idea that if it doesn't work out, they can just get divorced. There are so many single parent families out there struggling to make it work and this cause such a difficult life for so many.
What are some of the advantages of single-sex communities? Have you ever participated in a single-sex ritual?
For me it would depend on the purpose of the community. I do understand where a single sex community could be advantagous for specific purposes, or just because it might make parts of life easier, and I am talking outside of same sex relationships... I have beent thinking about this and as I have never been part of a single sex ritual or relationship, I really do not know what else to say about it. I know that I would not want to live in one permanently especially as over the years, most of my friends have been men.
If so, how do you feel it differed from a ritual with both men and women present?
I have never participated in such a ritual but can see where it would be different. Woman have different power then men, it flows differently and feels differently. I can see where a same sex ritual would be a completely different feel then a mixed one.
Practical exercise:
Organise an activity with a group of friends the same gender as yourself ~ it doesn’t have to be anything particularly Druidic, it could be a night on the town, walk in the woods, a sporting event, etc.
Use the opportunity to watch how a group of men (or women) interact with each other ~ is it significantly different from when they interact in a mixed setting? Reflect on how you feel when with your own gender. Is gender a stronger indicator of behaviour than social class, religion, sexuality, etc? Keep a log of your observations and reactions, for future reflection.
