Monday, November 16, 2009
"Why Can't We Be Friends?" - War
Anyone that knows me knows that I love music, so from time to time I will refer to a song title or lyric as a springboard for discussion. I woke up this morning (thank you lord) with this song from the seventies on my mind; "Why Can't We Be Friends?" by War( any irony here)? I've often asked that same question; particularly about women of color( read: Black women). Yes, of course there are exceptions. I am sure we all have life-long female friends; friends we made in school, co-workers, etc. But, it seems that all too often we relate to other women as adversaries or competition, instead of allies. We judge, criticize, gossip about, undermine or "diss" other females, rather than compliment and support. What is the underlying reason? Sometimes it's done to win favor with men. We might have bought into the "male shortage" notion and have decided to get a man "by any means necessary," thus treating other women like they are the enemy or the reason we can't get with or remain with the man we want. There's a theory that with age comes wisdom. As a woman of a certain age, I've embraced the idea that women benefit from the friendship, understanding and camaraderie of other women, as well as with men. Let's cherish our female friends. BTW, I wish I was Oprah's BFF!
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