What do you think about Ukranian women fighting the Russians?
I think it’s barbaric to ask women to fight wars. War is the responsibility of the men. But I’m not sure what to think about allowing women to fight wars.
Will the presence of a few women make a positive or a negative difference?
From one perspective, every additional weapon being used against the enemy is a benefit. But maybe not if the presence of women on the line negatively impacts the behavior of the men.
I realize we’re not allowed to ask such questions any mroe. We’re just supposed to cheer.
Along these lines: Ukrainian women’s magazines have pivoted to war advice, telling readers how to shoot with acrylic nails
You’re right that we’re not allowed to ask the question. If we were to re-instate the draft, would it include women?
I admire the courage of those Ukrainian women. That being said, when I watch a boxing or MMA card, I cannot watch a women’s match if there is one. I watched an women’s MMA fight once, and just found it horrible. Some women might be better snipers than men or better pilots. But, if it comes to hand to hand in the trenches, they’re done. And, if they’re taken prisoner, most likely rape. I don’t want to read about that.
QUOTE: I realize we’re not allowed to ask such questions any mroe [sic]. We’re just supposed to cheer.
According to who? Hopefully, not the vocal minority of social media keyboard warriors. This is far too important to be left to that callous crew.
QUOTE: Will the presence of a few women make a positive or a negative difference?
Given women have been involved in war for eons, the issue isn’t “if” women should be involved, but what roles are appropriate for them. Historically, women have played supportive roles such as nurses, cooks and administrators. Yet, they’ve also been involved in various forms of combat. Interestingly, there doesn’t seem to be a uniform perspective relative to what research reveals about the positive or negative impacts of women’s involvement in combat. Ideally, I wouldn’t say combat is physically and socially suited for women. But, if need requires, they have capability to do so and can add value.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_combat
It’s not unprecedented for women to fight in wars, though usually not as part of regular armies. The Jewish partisans who fought Nazism included women, and many took up arms. If your society is under threat of extinction, it is all hands on deck. Counter to that, of course, is someone has to take care of the children when the men are away fighting, so this isn’t a black and white issue for sure.
QUOTE: …so this isn’t a black and white issue for sure.
Good point…this isn’t a black or white issue. There’s lot to consider and there may be shades of gray. What may be appropriate “hypothetically” or generally may not apply to these specific circumstances.
Again, I’d suggest women might be good in “certain” roles…supportive and strategic. Yet, when it comes to physical combat, they should likely be reserved for when it’s absolutely essential.
I don’t think women should go to war, but all too often, war comes to us. This seems like one of those cases. If women are running off to join the army and being sent miles from their homes, then I think they’d be better served trying to support their neighbors in other capacities, or getting their families to safety. The needs of wartime are not limited to taking up arms.
But if the war comes to their hometowns, then sometimes the only option is to do what one can to frustrate the enemy, and sometimes that means taking up arms.