Have you ever thought about why?

This week in our Family Relations class we've talked quite extensively about gender roles.  Yes they are out there and yes they are real.  We'll get to my opinion in a minute.  But have you ever wondered why men were given their specific roles and the traits they should cultivate and why the women were given their specific roles and traits to cultivate?  


Gloria Steinem said "We've begun to raise daughters more like sons... but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters."


Well, to comment on that, I'm pretty sure boys and girls are different for a reason.  And I don't think we should be raising them exactly the same.  Yes there are aspects that should be fair and equal to both sons and daughters but we're different for a reason!  If we were meant to be the same and to do exactly the same things and have exactly the same roles we would be the same! But. We're. Not. 


So, why aren't we the same?  in The Family: A Proclamation to the World it states specifically that men and women "each have a divine nature and destiny."  I believe that men are supposed to be the protector, provider, and the one to preside because he has the priesthood. He has the power of God and therefore can bless his family.  The mother is complementary to that.  It's god's plan and it's right.  


With that being said- I believe that equality to an extent is definitely needed.  If you are going to hug your daughter then you best believe you should hug your son.  if you need to toughen up a child you need to make sure you give that same opportunity to the other children regardless of gender.  These are lessons that all people need to learn.  Sensitive men are not a bad thing.  If fact, my youngest brother is quite sensitive.  He has a gift.  He's able to be so compassionate and has a very kind heart.  And he's quite the ladies' man :)  Yeah he's getting into sports and guy stuff but he's still the tender hearted cute kid that can't hate anybody or anything.  Does that make him girly?  Heck no!  I do believe in gender roles but I see nothing wrong with developing traits from both genders.