Page 207 - Contribution To Phenomenology

200 DON MARIETTA

Judgments of relative value have a limited application. Thinking in terms
of systems is necessary if we are to have a sound understanding of
things.
It is easy for us to see how "macho" thinking developed and seemed
to its practitioners to be right and proper. The aggressive pursuit of one
of the higher values seemed to justify use of extreme means and lack of
concern for peripheral matters. Certainly it would be right to seek the
economic welfare of a community, by whatever means could accomplish
the goal most quickly. To see that this would not be right and would
most likely be counterproductive requires a holistic way of thinking in
terms of complex systems. To understand the evils of sexism, racism, and
jingoism requires a way of thinking which most people seem still not to
have.
Our survival as humans and the survival of life on the planet, certainly
the more complex forms of Ufe, require the widespread adoption of
holistic thinking. The development of a sustainable human society requires
growing beyond the "macho" ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.
Feminism can help develop the kinds of character and ways of thinking
and acting which fit into sustainable modes of human life. It can help
channel aggression into constructive paths. We are not advocating a
general **wimpishness." Aggression is a problem when it is extreme and
destructive, especially when it is directed against persons. Aggressive
pursuit of solutions to problems is not problematical if atomistic
approaches are avoided. Aggressive pursuit of a career is not harmful if
responsibility to other people is not denied. Aggressiveness can be
beneficial to the society if joined to awareness of other people and a
concern for their welfare. The aggression which grows out of anger and
frustration must be corrected by removing as much as possible the causes
of the anger. A sustainable society must pay careful attention to the
welfare of its children. Angry adults are sick adults, who may have been
mishandled children. A caring society can address either problem.
Violence is destructive, even when it is the use of violent means to bring
about a desired state of affairs. Holistic thinking will show us better ways
to achieve the good without destructive "side effects" in nature or in
society.
Let me describe two specific contributions which feminism can make
to a sustainable society, which must be a society which gives humans a
satisfying and rewarding life. One may seem trivial at first, but it will be
seen to be very important. One contribution is providing for recreation