Let's talk about the patriarchy

This post is to some extent inspired by my recent purchase of an adorable little pink blouse for my mom in observance of Mothers' Day.

My biggest problems with the patriarchy, or, everything I need to know about life I learned from P.J. Harvey:

1. Pantyhose. Typical patriarchal mixed message, exemplifying the virgin-whore dichotomy: We want to see your sexy little legs in that skirt, but it would be simply indecent for your actual skin not to be protected from view by a millimeter of sheer fabric. Even though it's 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity.

2. The concept of the "uppity woman" or "ballbuster." Men who do the same things that "ballbusting" women do are known as "leaders," and no one gives them any crap.

3. Guys who turn to stare at your ass as you walk by. I wonder what they would do if we stared at their crotches every time they walked by? Actually, scratch that, they'd be psyched if we stared at their crotches. Ick!

4. Harvard president Lawrence Summers on women in science.