All organizations need both defensive and offensive capabilities. Traditionally males filled the defensive role within families and society. The danger of an disproportionally defensive role in the hierarchy of society is vulnerability. You cannot rely on law or systems completely to protect you- it's necessary to act.

If you can convince your opponent to let down their guard you can attack them without fear.

Everyone perhaps needs to work together in the community for the greater good- there can be a problem with conscientious objectors as they get the benefit of security without taking the personal risk- hence cowardice is discouraged in successful societies.

G'day there BELLY...

I really can't say. In my own industry misogyny was alive 'n well. As was the 'vertical' smile sadly. I'll apologise for using that remark, however it is true. I may've mentioned to you about a driver I had, when I was supervisory sergeant.

As we did our rounds she asked what I thought her chances were of getting into a particular section. A section that avoided all night and weekend work, which she wanted. I said probably very little chance, at all? She gave me a stunning smile and nothing more was said.

Sure enough she got it. Such is the culture, that existed in those times. She knew when she joined the job, it involved night and weekend work? Yet tried hard to avoid it ,shortly after she joined, claiming as she did it interfered with her social life?

I'll tell you BELLY she had no right obtaining the transfer, there were several blokes who'd been 'on the road' upwards of 3 years, far more deserving of the transfer than her? Another instance of the power of the 'Vertical Smile' v Misogyny.

[Deleted for abuse]

I've been reading all the various comments.
There's certainly some interesting ones on the subject.
However, whether we agree of not - isn't the point.
What matters is that the Liberal Party has to realise
that if it's going to have a chance of winning the next
election it has to realise that - winning government
means communicating to a broad constituency - of which
women are a major part.

Well said and true Foxy the days of thinking a great smile will win the female vote are long gone

Dear Belly,

Julie Bishop has been such a loyal party member -
but even she's had enough and is totally disgusted
by the current goings on. And she's always been a
"team player."

"Enough is Enough!" are her words.