Child care Quote by Doris Lessing
““I find myself increasingly shocked at the unthinking and automatic rubbishing of men which is now so part of our culture that it is hardly even noticed. Great things have been achieved through feminism. We now have pretty much equality at least on the pay and opportunities front, though almost nothing has been done on child care, the real liberation. We have many wonderful, clever, powerful women everywhere, but what is happening to men? Why did this have to be at the cost of men? I was in a class of nine- and ten-year-olds, girls and boys, and this young woman was telling these kids that the reason for wars was the innately violent nature of men. You could see the little girls, fat with complacency and conceit while the little boys sat there crumpled, apologising for their existence, thinking this was going to be the pattern of their lives. The teacher tried to catch my eye, thinking I would approve of this rubbish. This kind of thing is happening in schools all over the place and no one says a thing. It has become a kind of religion that you can't criticise because then you become a traitor to the great cause, which I am not. It is time we began to ask who are these women who continually rubbish men. The most stupid, ill-educated and nasty woman can rubbish the nicest, kindest and most intelligent man and no one protests. Men seem to be so cowed that they can't fight back, and it is time they did.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public interview, 1990s, discussing gender dynamics
The speaker argues that contemporary culture often uncritically denigrates men, treating criticism of feminism as taboo, while neglecting issues like child care that affect both genders.
In simple terms: Culture often attacks men while ignoring real equality issues.
Recognize and challenge unfair gender narratives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- school classrooms
- media commentary
- policy debates
- family discussions
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we address gender bias without undermining feminist achievements?
- What policies could improve child care for all parents?
The claim may overgeneralize and ignore systemic benefits of feminist progress.