As long as the United States is a patriarchal society, women will not be truly equal

However, I agree that a patriarchal society cannot be "equal" between the sexes. I believe a "patriarchal" society and an "equal" society are mutually exclusive. With that given, I would like to slightly modify the debate. As it would appear that you are PRO "equal" society, I would rather like to debate CON "equal" society. I will argue in favor of a society in which the sexes adhere to their proscribed gender roles. You will argue in favor of a society that is void of gender roles. Basically, it sounds (from your proposal) that you are saying that "equality" is a goal that we should be striving for, and I disagree. "Equality" is not one of the goals that the United States should trying to accomplish. Additionally, We must recognize that "equal" is impossible, given the different anatomy of each gender. (We could get into a Life of Brian, People's Front of Judea, "It's every man's right to have babies if he wants them" debate, but I would like to avoid that) That being said, physical differences between the sexes can be used in the debate (strength, health. .. etc) Any physical differences or similarities should be backed up by sources. (unless they are obvious. . men and women have two arms and two legs! !! (citation needed)) I also wish that we disregard "in-between" peoples (hermaphrodites) and transgenders. They are outliers and won't be considered for the debate. We are assuming all peoples under discussion are clearly defined as "men" and "women" (or "womyn" if you prefer. .. haha) . Lastly, we must decide on what basis we are deciding "equality'. Do you mean equality under law (there can be no language in laws passed that differentiate between the sexes, for example. .. lets us hereby proclaim that the sammiches will be made by the home maker for the bread winner) --- If this is your definition, I would be in support of this. I am in agreement of striking any language in law that refers to either gender in exclusivity. You, however, might be arguing the other side of this (as most laws today (I'd have to believe) that use language of gender favor womens). So, if you are using this as your definition of equality, I would argue the PRO, and you would have to argue the CON, if you so choosed. (Meaning you are arguing that language differentiating between the sexes SHOULD be used in our laws) Do you mean equality in society under law (laws can be made to equalize the sexes, for example. .. .mens cants demands teh womens to makes teh sammiches! ) I have a feeling this is the type of debate that would work best. These are the types of laws that have been passed over the past 90 years (since you've been allowed to vote) and I'm assuming you're in favor of them continuing to pass laws that equalize the sexes. I am not in favor of this. Society, in its natural state, is a patriarchal one. .. it must be actively changed by the government to make it otherwise. I would be arguing against US government intervention of the natural in-equality of the sexes. (and that, in fact, the in-equality of the sexes are a positive thing for society as a whole. .. . which leads me to my third possible definition) Do you mean equality by society without law (changes we need to make in society that make equality a reality, without regards to the laws, for example. . we should prolly just take turns making the sammiches. ) Though we are not in anyway coerced to do so, it would just be better for everyone if we did (meaning it would have to be better for men too). This is problematic, because you would have to find a way of convincing men that it is in their self interest to allow women equality, without forcing them to do so. You can definitely combined the 2nd and the 3rd one. .. by changing the laws to help women, you are in fact making it better for men/society whether men like it or not. or do you mean some other form of equality that I haven't listed? The areas I wish for clarification are as listed: Clarify 'equal' Exclude trannies/herms No Life of Brian debate Physical differences CAN be used If you can clarify the areas that I requested, and accept the altered topic of debate, I will gladly continue.