With Afghanistan in the news and steady work on rights and such, there is plenty of chance to think about women. My daughter mentioned the subject, I think, in connection with the Taliban and its attitude toward women. As far as I know, every human of either sex came into the world from a woman's body. I know, I know: the process of becoming a human being often starts with a gleam in a man's eye. Since we males are simple creatures, I realize that some of the time, that gleam begins with a woman's purchase of a new dress, or taking a walk past a certain desk.
I got into teaching more or less by accident. The cost was low enough for me to attend college. Once I heard what the cost was, I didn't give my occupational plans much of a 2nd thought. At the time, graduates of my teacher's college were assured of a paying job so things seemed wrapped up. During my freshman year, I had to visit a classroom while the teacher and students were engaged in actual, on-going education. The college arranged the visit and I visited a 3rd grade class. The students were polite and engaged but the teacher made it clear to me that male teachers were not appropriate at that level. I figured high school or middle school was for me until I was handed a list of all the courses I would be required to take. I was surprised and said that I thought I would get some choices that I could make. The leader of the session said,"Oh, you want choices? Switch to elementary teaching." I did switch. I wound up teaching the 5th grade for 4 years. In four years time, I learned that my state required me to get a master's degree. On the way to that credential, I got a PhD.
As I think about my life, I realize that my mother, my sister, my wife and my daughter have punctuated my life and embellished it. They have loved me and decorated my existence. I recommend that the Taliban think carefully about who is essential and who is peripheral, even if their conclusion is scary.
