Gene Roddenberry created the Star Trek universe with a vision of inclusivity; a pursuit of knowledge, and the use of technology to make all lives better. Bigotry based on color of skin, nationality, sexuality, or the number of horns coming out of your head did not exist. Yes, there was tension with Klingons, Cardassians, and Romulans, but let us not split hairs. This world is one that should be worked towards as it provides a foundation for something much better.

Many topics could come out of this but the focus of this particular rant will be “men” still having issues with and being threatened by women. Recently on planet earth, news was going around about how women only screenings of the new movie “Wonder Woman” were organized and a large number of small-minded male humans lost their minds. I guess they figured that they were burly males and that they should in no way be excluded from anything. The thought of not being included in a few screenings cut to their very core and they became enraged. This is an example of how very far away we are from anything resembling the universe portrayed in Star Trek. I am in no way trying to speak for women I am simply making an observation of how those of my gender need to quickly change their outlook and behavior.

How threatened and thin skinned must one be to get butt hurt over a women’s only screening of a superhero movie? This is something that is completely beyond my comprehension. As men we should be celebrating, supporting, and encouraging women of all colors, shapes, and ages. When women find success we all find success. Men should see women as equal partners in all areas and stop-putting women in pigeonholes defined by gender stereotypes and perceived social norms and expectations. Men should be striving to be examples to young girls and young women so that they see that they are not a lesser gender but a gender that is part of the overall game that we all playing. Weak willed and narrow-minded men absolutely need to be encouraged by and motivated by smart and independent women. Men need to be encouraged by and motivated by women who struggle, have found themselves in bad positions, and have found their way out and forward. Men need to be aware of and sensitive to women who are in bad positions in which they have no control and cannot see a clear way out. Smiles should come to our faces when we see women of lesser abilities move forward with their lives and not let life’s all too frequent hurdles trip them up. A last place finish at the Special Olympics should be as celebrated as graduating first in a high school class. Nothing but goo can come from seeing women as equals and being partners with them instead of obstacles in front of them.

It amazes me how many “men” still think women are by nature bad drivers, that they are the weaker sexes, and that their place is in the home. The Christian notion that the man is the head of any household makes me both cringe, laugh, and cry just a little. Any man who is married and views their spouse as anything less than an equal partner is not worth any of the macho shithead attitude that they believe is an asset in life. If you are a man and your idea of cooking only happens outside in front of a grill then you need to get in the kitchen and learn how to prepare a meal from scratch. If you are a male who cannot pack his own suitcase then you need to show some personal responsibility and try to begin to understand that no woman is your slave or your servant. If you are a man that does not help with the dishes then you have a lot to learn. Expecting a meal on the table when you get home from your manly job? Well fuck the hell off and figure out your own meals. Any young girl that observes this sort of behavior by a brother, father, grandfather, or uncle is given the wrong message. One can only hope that there will be some male in her life that will help correct the examples she is being given.

Since the beginning of my unofficial professional career in February 1998, I have seen literally hundreds of men who have similar attitudes but take it one step further to being abusive physically, sexually, or psychologically. They have such huge egos and low sense of self that they only way they can begin to feel power and control is to exert power and control over others, most often women. Power comes from doing well for others and being kind. Control comes when you are able to recognize your shortcomings and shore up the courage and self-control to do something about them. Asking for help shows more power than using fist or harsh words. Taking a deep breath, walking away, or simply saying, “I’m sorry” shows more control than seeing yourself as a big strong man who dominates over others.

So many men need to figure their shit out and change their ways. We are all in this together and I hope as my life moves forward I have many strong, wise, and wonderful women by my side.

Starfleet Command would be highly disappointed in the way we treat each other, especially those that are seen as smaller, weaker, darker, lighter, or less bright than the image we see in the mirror.