From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 4 October

Is perceived notion of male superiority learned or inherent?

IS it the consequence of relentless, careless subliminal sexism? Consider: our superheroes – excepting for Wonder Woman, Charlie’s Angels, and Barbie, are male. What does that say?

Gender inequality proliferates in business, commercial leadership, and more specifically politics in its myriad embodiments.

It is incomprehensible that still, in the 21st century, we live in a patriarchal society; that there are those men who believe 51 per cent of the population is innately intellectually inferior by reason of gender, regardless. It is sheer madness, by any standard of intelligent analysis. There are those epiphany moments when one is halted mid-step by a glaring illustration of chauvinism in its most uncontaminated form.

Until recent times the Solemnisation of Holy Matrimony, as ordered in the Book of Common prayer, was a prime example. The avowal was unambiguously jaundiced, “I pronounce that they be man and wife together.” Surely, in any truly egalitarian society, it is husband and wife?

Today, it is unimaginable the question would be asked of the bride’s father, “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?” Surely, in the eyes of modern law, it constitutes human trafficking.

Gender determines neither equality nor intellectual capacity. Silliness is not the exclusive prerogative of women. It is spread across the community, equally. Men in fast, noisy red cars notwithstanding, there is no admissible empirical correlation between genitalia and intellectual listlessness.

Of greater importance and concern should be an individual’s capacity to prosecute an argument; to articulate and sustain a simple or complex concept; an intellectual nimbleness which might be galvanised for the greater good of public office. The male notion that empathy, sympathy and nurturing are feminine and diametrically opposed to strong leadership and, if required, ruthlessness, is unmitigated nonsense. It is possible, indeed preferable, to be all, and still achieve the highest level of success. It is too sobering a thought to ponder the number of fine females’ minds which, across the eons, have been denied opportunity and allowed to slip through the cracks of male inertia. Academia celebrated intelligent men but branded women blue stockings!

The aggregate court of public opinion is decidedly imbalanced in favour of men. Too often, fearless and clever woman, possessed of strong leadership qualities and an enviable self-confidence, are pejoratively besmeared and subjected to demonisation and public ridicule. Figures of contempt. The exact same leadership traits replicated in a man are judged enviable and make for a certain thoroughfare to rapid promotion. An assertive male is commended as tough but a female cut of the same jib is a termagant.

Curiously, and lamentably, the harshest personal critics of the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, were women.

For the record: The Gillard government successfully passed 561 bills, including many significant policies. History will show it to be an impressive record from a minority government; even more so, since no government bill was defeated on the floor of the House of Representatives.

The relentless bitchiness from the coven of social critics was shameful. Gleefully, they dipped their spiteful pens into the well of vitriol and went for the jugular. Ms Gillard’s physical appearance was of greater interest than any of her many political achievements, but when it suited their agenda, her parliamentary speech accusing Tony Abbot of sexism was celebrated.

Since the dawning of civilised time, women have been denied fulfilment opportunities and deliberately excluded from the high table. Still, today, there is a palpable and patronising element of incredulity when women are successful in what is deemed a rigorously male purview.

There is a number of women standing for the coming Ballarat election. Listen and consider carefully their public pronouncements. Take heed of their plans for the city, and Ballarat’s future. Consider the substance. Reflect on their track records. Judge them not on their sex. Vote on their merits.

It matters not a jot if they have one eye in the middle of their forehead!

Roland can be heard on RADIO 3BA, every Monday morning, 10.45 and contacted via [email protected].