Monday 4 January 2016

Boozy genderless Britain

So I read in the weekend press the Dept of Health is reducing its guidance recommendations on safe levels of alcohol consumption. The good news is they haven't reduced the daily 'no more than' level for us girls, the bad news is they have reduced the level for the boys down to the same level as us girls. They also now say we should lay off alcohol completely for at least 2 days each week.

How come men, with bigger bodies on average and bigger energy consumption (statistical fact), which presumably process the booze as a food, which it basically is, have to cut down? Is it a gender equality thing, I wondered, government over interference to achieve political correctness. I don't know.

Also in the weekend press I read that people are going to be allowed to legally 're-genderise' themselves, at least on paper. So if a girl reaches a point at which she thinks she'd be happier being a boy, she can make the change easily and she will be legally categorised as a boy and vise-versa of course. I didn't note if there was a third androgynous category but it wouldn't surprise me. And presumably it will be possible to switch in and out of categories every couple of years or so as suits the mood. So switching back from using the boys' room to the ladies' room, being a Mr or Miss or Ms on letters etc etc.

It bewilders me sometimes I must admit. I consulted my husband, who usually manages to help me understand these goings on. He told me he didn't trust anything the Department of Health say, their proclamations generalise, government propaganda. On the men/women body differences issue he said he thought it might be possible that men are using less energy as lots of tasks they used to do traditionally involving strength and energy get automated, so maybe the gap between men and women is narrowing. On the gender thing he was flummoxed although he did opine that as traditional m/f roles continued to even up, there would be less importance attached.

"So is that it then?" I asked. "I mean, you're not going to be cutting a glass of red wine here or there?"

"No I'm bloody not," was his reply, "and I shan't be electing to have a Ms in front of my name any time soon." I smiled and said that was a relief, then I asked him if he really thought the physical gap between men and women was shrinking and he said yes of course, definitely. I asked him if he wished he had to do physical work in his job, to keep up the differential.

"No need," he said, "I keep myself fit enough for everything I have to do and then some so don't worry, I won't be asking you to carry the cases or change a wheel."

"I hadn't been thinking of that exactly," I said feeling a slight blush, "I was just thinking of some of the other manly things you have to deal with." I didn't spell it out.

"No worries there," he said, "as you'll find out if carry on rambling."

Well that was a relief.

Have a good week.

Ronnie
xx

14 comments:

Roz said...

Hi Ronnie, interesting title! The mind boggles at Government proclamations, especially re-genderising. Great thoughts on the lower alcohol level for men. I think the gap is becoming less and less now. Love P's response lol

Hugs
Roz

Anonymous said...

Our governments sure like to tell us what is good for us, even though they flip flop on every issue. Let us not forget what politically correct means. It means the person is in politics and will say anything to get the vote.
archedone

Michael M said...

Too many people in the UK telling us what to do and too many people with time on their hands to want to change sex.
Spain here I come.
Michella.

Anonymous said...

What we are told is and is not good for us differs in relation to who pays for the research. Everything in moderation - but I suppose the question is, what is moderation?
As a tall girl (6ft) I've often wondered if I could go for the men's alcohol limit rather than female's it seemed more sensible but now they're trying to take that away from me!

Our Bottoms Burn said...

Nice reflective piece. My definition of PC is "Shut up, I have already made up my mind and facts will not change it".

Hermione said...

I can't believe how little alcohol women are allowed to have here, according to our Health folks. Men can have more, but no one is supposed to drink every day. Why not, if red wine is so good for you? Studies can tell you anything the scientists want you to believe, so I ignore them.

Hugs,
Hermione

Ella said...

First off, I agree with the comment from Anonymous. I must remember that explanation of "politically correct."

Next, the government can just stay the hell out of my alcohol consumption business. They could probably find a reason to turn broccoli into a carcinogen if they really wanted to.

And finally I am in favor of preserving a lot of gender differences. The androgynous model doesn't really make for a higher happy marriage statistic. I like P's opinion on the matter, and I think Sam would, too.

Just Ella Shooting Off Her Mouth

Aimless Rambling said...

It boggles my mind how government keeps trying to tell us what is and isn't good for us. What isn't good for us is them.

Love how P can make himself perfectly clear with so few words, something some government folks could learn. haha

an English Rose said...

Hi Ronnie, the world's gone mad! We won't be changing sex here either!
love Jan,xx

Terpsichore said...

sounds like there is no need to worry about roles changing in your household :-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

The only upside of changing sex is that: if I ever get sent to jail for using other companies spanking photos, I can at least demand that I be considered a female, and be jailed in the woman's prison. Some women would want to spank me, and others would be lonely for fe(MALE) company.

This could be a lot of fun for many people already in jail!!!!

Always walk on the sunny side of the street...
having fun with the topic
bottoms up
Red

Minielle Labraun said...

Well.... Sheesh, I seriously don't believe the alcohol thing. I look at my guys ability to tolerate alcohol and mine. We are different sizes.... Etc.
As to the flowing gender, I believe they are minimizing real medical gender issues. To me it is a life altering, serious decision , not one made to be fluid from one day to the next!
Glad your P is happy to keep Spanking!

Blondie said...

Love the way you and P think

ronnie said...

Roz - I have to agree with you and P. I do think the gap is closing. Thanks.

Archedone - Well they don't have my vote. Thank you.

Michella - I'll join you. Thank you.

Janey - Everyone is different on alcohol limits. Couple of years it will change again. One day something is healthy for you and the next not.Thanks.

OBB - Thank you. I'm the same.

Hermione - What is it for women over there? So do I Hermione. Thanks.

Ella - Shout away. Have you not heard what the dept of health are saying about broccoli now? Only joking but yes I know what you mean. Thanks.

SG - Yep, we could all do with our governments talking plainly but we know that will never happen. Thanks.

Jan - Seems like it, doesn't it. Thanks.

Terps - I might and tease him about it:) Thanks.

Red - That would make an interesting story/article. Thank you.

Minelle - I agree, I said that to P later about that they seems to be minimising gender issues. Thanks.

Blondie - Thank you.

Love,
Ronnie
xx