Blind Guardians

As I was reading up on all the male domains that have been “invaded” by women, I noticed traditional women’s roles remain as hard for men to break into. FAA stats have over 80 percent of flight attendants to be women. Then there are stereotypes that women want to break, and using statistics.

Quoting an article from the Chicago Sun Times by Lucio Guerrero (2006):

MEN ARE BETTER AND SAFER DRIVERS THAN WOMEN
Statistics: In 1998, women caused 27 percent of fatal crashes. Men caused 73 percent, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

The way these statistics are indicated almost makes it look like men are worse/rasher drivers compared to women. But the source of the statistic itself claims to further clarify the disparity within the numbers. The statistic claims that the one-sided figures are owed primarily due to two factors:

1. Greater Mileage by men.
2. Stupid kids. The statistics for fatal accidents over 19 clearly shows the number of deaths to be on par.

So basically if the article cared enough to show the entire truth of the statistics, then it would be noted that the percentage of fatal accidents for men has decreased 8 percent, while for women it has increased 11 percent. Also trying to rule out mileage bias, the statistic would indicate 59.5 percent accidents for men versus 40.5 women. Sobering thought. While the statistic still appears to be more male dominated, one thing is clear if you choose to visit IIHS, that as women start to drive more, the statistic doesn’t increase linearly for women. This is due to the fact that, as women drive more miles, men drive less, and drunken driving incidents with women at the helm increase as well.

The BAC related accidents show a 20 percent increase in women driver fatalities compared to a 5 percent increase in male fatalities (1985-2005).

Women also constantly choose to neglect paternal rights. As indicated by a friend of mine, British Law concerning child custody, between 1973 and the late 90s was pro-mother. Gender neutral laws are in the process of being made. Even prior to 1973, child custody laws were pro-mother in principle, to reflect societal roles of fathers as bread earners and mothers as care takers of the family. So a househusband (which is not uncommon), is ineligible by the “old” law to gain custody. But since it is beneficial for the woman in this case, little was contested in that respect. In Indian law, even today, the laws are pro-mother, if not anti-father. A father can’t contest legal proceedings for custody until age 7 unless proof of an unworthy or irresponsible mother can be indicated.

Here are some links of questions being asked to experts regarding custody.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Indian-Law-1798/Custody-1.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Indian-Law-1798/Custody-3.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Indian-Law-1798/Custody-child.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Indian-Law-1798/Child-Custody.htm

The act that governs custody is the Guardian & Wards Act 1890. 1890. That’s a century old act. My immature understanding of the law is such, Father wishes custody, and is capable of providing the required atmosphere for the child, then he must prove the incapacity of the mother, morally or temperamentally (not sure about financially, since men do provide for welfare for children when the mother has custody, in some cases even if the mother is financially capable of providing for the child.) So unless the mother is abusive or uninterested, a father has no right to custody of the children. I am actually hoping to someday discuss this with someone with a legal background to gain a better understanding, since I cannot understand the legal jargon that is up on some of the sites.

And don’t get me started about the 498a and DV acts. The Supreme Court has already started finding fault with the DV act (and has been constantly criticizing the 498a) just months after it has been passed. Further more, the NCW seems not to care to make the DV act gender neutral. The act only addresses women that face domestic violence. Just an indication of misuse of the DVand 498a acts, Estranged wife vs. WIPRO.

Equality is a pipe dream, since those that lobby equality fail to see their oversights. And just to finish off with a quote to address Renuka Chaudhary’s interview on The Devil’s Advocate , “Discrimination in the past is not an excuse for discrimination in the future.”

I could go on and on. There is so much more to say, but I fear I will ramble more than necessary. Then there is also the dissection of where women have it wrong. Like the myth that men don't face domestic violence or nearly not enough. But as men like Gaurav Nigam begin standing up for themselves feminists and women's right activist will find it harder to remain hypocritical.

Most of the statistics are for the US, since I found it hard to get them for india. Finally I would like to thank The Depressed Doormat, for help with the details and facts and helping with his already wide pool of reading resources on the topic.