The Rule of Cows

I think I've just invented a new rule. I call it "The Rule of Cows." I say I think I did because I came up with it late last night (really early in the AM today), in response to something someone wrote on an email discussion list I subscribe to. Then, I asked myself, what if I read that somewhere in my past, and only think I've just now invented it? If you can come up with some copyrighted mention of it way before now, I'll relinquish my originator claim. Otherwise, it's mine, and I want credit for it if you spread the Rule around!

The item I was responding to was regarding the almost rabid obsession some people (mostly men, but not entirely) exhibit in their efforts to keep women in a one down position. The writer, Lawrence Viggo, said:

Here's a contradiction for you. Why are women such a threat to the
established order when they are so obviously inferior in every way to men?

My response:

It's the Rule of Cows (I just invented that) which states:

"Cows must be kept in the pasture or trouble will ensue."

Any group of people who are considered subhuman, or "less than" the ruling group (women, slaves, poor people, etc.) are cows. That is, they have a use, a function, a "role" but no matter how good a cow they are, they will be trouble if they get out of the pasture.

Whenever one hits a brick wall of resistance in trying to make a reasonable, good, and needed societal, organizational, or cultural change, it's a good idea to look to see if The Rule of Cows applies. Same thing if one is being victimized in an organization, group, or personal relationship. Look for the Rule of Cows.

How to deal with obstacles caused by The Rule of Cows.

1. Don't wait at the gate for the non-cows to open it and allow you to join them. Not going to happen. But, they may open it, and let you think it's happening. Real cows fall for that too, and end up in a big truck on the way to you know where. Or, into a squeeze chute with dehorning and vaccination, or worse in store for them.

It's true, that sometimes they open the gate to allow a cow into the barn for milking, or into a new pasture. But, that's about as good as it gets.

2. If you're going to jump the fence, don't do it where they can see you.

3. If you get a lot of other cows to go with you, you'll attract more attention, but maybe get further.

4. Best of all, realize you aren't a cow, don't live like one, don't treat yourself like one, and don't allow anyone else to treat you that way either. 

5. Be benevolently subversive. The best subversion is education.

Comments

[Dorcas]

I loved this. I posted it on my blog, along with a lovely picture or a rather plaintive looking Bossy.