“Men like war: they do not hold much sway over birth, so they make up for it with death. Unlike women, men menstruate by shedding other people's blood.”
Analysis of Lucy Ellman's quote on war and gender
In this quote, Lucy Ellman presents a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of war and gender roles. She asserts that men are drawn to war as a means of making up for their lack of control over birth, contrasting it with women's ability to menstruate. This suggests that men may use violence and death in conflict as a way to assert their power and dominance, mirroring the cyclical nature of menstruation in women. Ellman's words prompt reflection on the relationship between gender, power dynamics, and the perpetuation of war throughout history.
The Reality of Men and War
In this quote by Lucy Ellman, she highlights the societal perception of masculinity and its association with war. This statement sheds light on the idea that men often resort to violence and conflict as a means of asserting their dominance and control, especially in instances where they may feel powerless. The comparison of men menstruating through shedding blood further emphasizes the destructive nature of war and its impact on both individuals and society as a whole.
Men and War
"Men like war: they do not hold much sway over birth, so they make up for it with death. Unlike women, men menstruate by shedding other people's blood." - Lucy Ellman
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this provocative quote from Lucy Ellman, consider the following questions:
- In what ways do you believe society values war over birth and death over life?
- How does traditional gender roles play a role in perpetuating the idea that men are more inclined towards violence and war?
- Do you agree with the statement that men "make up for" not having the ability to give birth by engaging in acts of violence?
- How can we challenge and deconstruct the notion that violence and war are inherently masculine traits?
Similar quotes
“Unable to make babies, they make bombs instead. Men menstruate by shedding other people's blood.”
“Women are females and men are males. According to gynaecologists, women menstruate every month or so, while men, being male, do not menstruate or suffer during the monthly period. A women, being female, is naturally subject to monthly bleeding. When a women does not menstruate, she is pregnant. If she is pregnant, she becomes, due to pregnancy, less active for about a year.”
“There’ll always be wars because men love wars. Women don’t, but men do..”
“child birthing to women is like what battles are to men.”
“My men have suffered greatly (from boredom), much blood has been shed (by mosquitoes), and I have swung my ax mightily (chopping firewood). Surely we have earned our place in the annals of history—for never has there been so little war in a war.”