And the Remote Goes To …

From the dawn of time, men have used a variety of objects to wield power, each with the aim of showing off their strength and vigor.  Upon review it appears that throughout the ages, little has changed.

A young friend, who is studying women’s issues at a local university, recently called to ask my views on a topic her gender studies class was discussing.  They had been given an assignment to write a paper on the various items men have historically used to brandish their machismo.  Further, each student was to choose one item, that women could also wield, and stake a claim for gender equality. 

I could hear the excitement in her voice as she shared her research.  “Oh my gosh Annie!  I had no idea there were so many inventions throughout history that were specifically designed to enhance and display men’s strength and power.  For example, did you know Neanderthal man invented stone axes, spears, and clubs?  They were useful for hunting,  beating away their enemies and sometimes hitting their women over the head before dragging them into the cave.   Smashing things must have made them feel like real ‘manly men.’  I couldn’t find any mention of cavewomen using those same tools.”

I chuckled softly as she continued. “In the Middle Ages kings and knights went into battle, waving around huge swords and slashing their way to victory and the crown.  Triumphant, they often sat on massive thrones holding a huge scepter, an obvious symbol of their kingly power.  I didn’t find many images from those times showing women in a similar pose.  Maybe the ancient kings didn’t like to share.”

I couldn’t resist laughing out loud as she offered further illustrations of testosterone-imbued objects and their uses. For example, grown men on a football field, attacking their opponents with a force previously seen on a battlefield.  All for the control of an oval ball made of pigskin.  The ultimate prize of a crown had been replaced by a Super Bowl trophy that rather looks like a sceptre on steroids.

I was delighted to find that she found her discoveries enlightening; it was clear she had certainly taken this assignment seriously.  But what of the last part of I asked, choosing an object that women can also control and that might serve as a symbol of gender equality.

“It’s really amazing,” my young friend said. “Men have used clubs, swords and even a football to display power and maintain control.  But today, there is an item that is smaller, easier to wield. It’s the remote control.” 

Yes, the remote.  Her research revealed that while use of this small artifact is sometimes shared, in most households (especially those of baby-boomers), men tend to exercise supreme authority from their throne-like recliner, assuming the remote belongs to them and them alone.

Her investigation revealed that some women behave like trained robots, automatically handing over the control when the husband enters the room, while other try to hide it, attempting to claim the power for themselves.  There are some households where a coin is flipped to see whose turn it is to choose viewing selections for the evening and others where the women simply give in because “it’s easier that way.” 

A few domestic partners have solved the problem by having two remote controls, where speed and adeptness at pushing the buttons first can win the night.  One 70-something male (who I am intimately familiar with and who assumes the control quite regularly) offered this justification and quote:

“With one remote comes great responsibility.  I have taken on this sacred task and try to use it for our greater good…”

 In doing this assignment, my young friend gained a better understanding of the history of male dominance.  And, while the battle for gender equality has made great strides, there are still small issues that represent the bigger picture.  The continuing battle for the remote control is but a small test of true equity among the sexes.

For my part, I am happy to relay that in our house, some semblance of equivalence has been achieved. And it’s a good thing too.  With the Oscars and Red Carpet viewing just around the corner, I have asserted my womanhood and taken possession of the remote.  The big picture is now under my control!

© 2024  Annie Sokoloff