I just picked up my copy of the latest Wavelength Magazine. The theme is "Women in Paddling". As usual, the issue is a good one, but I did have a few reservations which I phoned in to the editor, Alan Wilson. There was a fair bit a male bashing by some of the female writers contributing to the Jun/Jul 2000 issue. I know we males deserve some heat, especially given the odd male commercial guide who "lords" it over his lesser female guides (rank wise) from time to time, but my experience around the shores of Victoria and in and around the club environment, suggests that gender usually isn't even a remote consideration in terms of subjects that arise, nor any practical consequences. Men were portrayed in the various articles as less sensitive, more apt to brag about their skills where those skills don't actually exist, and generally not in touch with "Sister Earth". I know we all can point to examples of a bad egg or two, but why brush the entire male paddling species with the same broad brush stroke, even if by implication? Anyway, I let at it, and gave my opinion to Alan -- in a nice, sensitive way :-). I'm doing an article for him for his next issue whose entire theme is about fitness and spirituality in kayaking, and assured him I would redress the imbalance created by his latest minor infraction against "sensitive and inclusive" wording. I did mention the big tide paddle I went on this past Sunday. How a bunch of us met up and "let her rip" it in the current, men and the one woman alike who came along. How we reposed to a quiet island out in the main stream, soaking up the sunshine on the beach. How one fellow apologized to the female paddler, because she was the only one out with all us guys. And how she nonchalantly said "what does that have to do with anything, we are all carbon-based life forms sharing the same organic composition, here on the beach together enjoying an oustanding spring day -- what does gender have to do with it!" Indeed. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> From: Doug Lloyd <dlloyd_at_telus.net> > > I just picked up my copy of the latest Wavelength Magazine. The theme is > "Women in Paddling". As usual, the issue is a good one, but I did have a > few reservations which I phoned in to the editor, Alan Wilson. I just received a copy myself and have been reading it. Kuddos to Alan Wilson. I think it's an exceptionally well-done, informative issue and reflects the thoughts, experiences and feelings of a good many female paddlers. > There wasa fair bit a male bashing by some of the female writers > contributing to the Jun/Jul 2000 issue. Sorry, Doug, but I haven't seen what I would consider a "fair bit of male bashing" in this issue. What articles made you feel that way? What I have read so far have been honest reactions from women about specific situations and what sea kayaking means to them and have enjoyed, so far, the special issue. My paddling cap is off the Alan and those that contributed. cheers, Jackie *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Jackie Fenton said >>I just received a copy myself and have been reading it. Kuddos to Alan Wilson. I think it's an exceptionally well-done, informative issue and reflects the thoughts, experiences and feelings of a good many female paddlers. Sorry, Doug, but I haven't seen what I would consider a "fair bit of male bashing" in this issue. What articles made you feel that way? What I have read so far have been honest reactions from women about specific situations and what sea kayaking means to them and have enjoyed, so far, the special issue. My paddling cap is off the Alan and those that contributed.>> Jackie, et al: After I posted the original message, I actually read through the whole issue of wavelength, rather than the cursory glance I had given it the first time. After my posting (post post?) I didn't see any response show up on PW, so I figured no one was interested in the subject/topic, otherwise I would have gone back and recanted what I said. Sorry, it is a good magazine issue, for sure. Once I read the comments/articles in a little more context, and realized some of the stuff was lighthearted (and where it wasn't, it was honest experiences), it all made sense. I still maintain, however, that in an ideal world, gender shouldn't be an issue for kayaking. Unfortunately, much of the male population makes that rather difficult. I could go on, but I don't think it is much of an issue with most gender-neutral paddlewisers (except Jed <G>).. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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