Old man yells at world, I yell at old man

Date: 11/13/2023

I was in a bible study full of senior citizens where we all sat in folding chairs in the middle of my cul-de-sac. Somehow the topic got onto complementarianism vs egalitarianism. One of the old ladies spoke up and was talking about how her and her late husband had always had a hard time finding a church that wasn’t overbearingingly complementarian. She said she always found it strange how resistant people were to the simple idea that woman were just as capable as men and that they should be allowed to do the same things as men. I found her honesty really refreshing and encouraging, but I could also see how uncomfortable all the other people were. One of the old guys kept interrupting to interject his own opinion, droning on about “separate but equal” and how men and women are supposed to have different roles and how that’s a good thing and whatnot. This really annoyed me because everyone was basically just invalidating this woman who dared share her experience and wouldn’t let her say anything else so I jumped in and went on this diatribe. When the old dude tried to interrupt me I flatly told him to let me finish, and he just kind of shut his mouth in surprise that I would talk to him like that. I woke up right at the end of my monologue and quickly wrote down as much of it as I could remember: “Why am I held in chains for something I was born into, something I could not choose and cannot change? Why should it dictate what I am allowed to do when there is absolutely no empirical evidence to back up the claim that women are less capable of learning or retaining information—no empirical evidence that woman are less capable of providing wisdom and guidance to others—no empirical evidence that women are less effective leaders? What right have you to stand on except the opinions of ancient men? Are even those superior to the living breathing women around you? The ones who suffer under the weight of those opinions? “When I am forced into silence for my sex, why should I believe that it is held by you in equal regard? To impart to me a lesser set of rights is to lay bare the fact that you see me as inferior. “Now you all have sat here and listened to me speak my piece, in front of both men and women. You may be condemning me in your mind, but I hope that at even one small bit may have penetrated the walls you instinctively put up. I hope these words haunt you, never allowing you to leave them behind. Either way, by very act of standing here and speaking, I’ve defied the will of your precious Paul, who would demand I sit in silence. “And if for that I have sinned against my sex, then I dare the almighty to wrench it away from me and leave me as sexless as the angels. For at least then I would not be obligated to withhold my voice to appease the fears of men.”

AI generated interpretation Based on the content of your dream, it appears that you are exploring themes of gender inequality, societal expectations, and personal empowerment. The dream takes place in a bible study setting, where the topic of complementarianism versus egalitarianism (the belief in different roles for men and women versus the belief in equal rights and opportunities for both genders) arises. The presence of older individuals, who generally represent wisdom, experience, and traditional values, suggests a clash between generational viewpoints. The old lady sharing her experience and frustration with complementarianism reflects your admiration for her honesty and courage to challenge established norms. You find her refreshing and encouraging since she advocates for women's capabilities and desires for equal treatment. On the other hand, the disruptive old man represents an opposing viewpoint, defending the traditional roles assigned to men and women. Your frustration is evident as he continuously interrupts, invalidating the woman's experience and preventing her from expressing herself fully. When you step in and deliver a monologue, it signifies your own desire to challenge the status quo and assert your opposing perspective. Your words reflect a strong emphasis on the lack of empirical evidence supporting gender-based limitations. You question the basis for such restrictions, highlighting the potential of women in leadership roles and their ability to provide wisdom and guidance. The dream can be seen as a metaphorical representation of your personal struggle against societal expectations. By speaking out, you break free from the chains imposed by your sex and defy the limitations placed on you. Your final statement emphasizes your determination to continue advocating for gender equality, even if it means facing judgment or condemnation. Overall, your dream suggests a strong sense of empowerment and a refusal to accept unequal treatment or to be silenced. It reflects your aspirations to challenge societal norms and promote equality by voicing your opinions and experiences.