Ahhhh. And I have been looking forward to responding to you! It's been a town day for me (I'm sure you're familiar with the project that going to town with children can be) hence the delay in my response. It also happens to be a rum night, so I'm going to do my best at coherent sentences. One of the amazing things sparked in my brain from your comment was the use of the word "patriarch" as opposed to "patriarchy." It made me think of the difference between racism and prejudice. What I mean is that prejudice is personal, whereas racism is institutional. I see the patriarchy as an institutionalized system beyond anything personal, while a patriarch seems like a person who outwardly espouses those beliefs. There is no doubt in my mind that the patriarchy as an institution is responsible for so much of the damage to our planet and her people, and we are all, in one way or another, a part of that - even if we don't like it. Similar to racism. Those that actively espouse it, well they're another can of worms. I agree that balance is coming, and I think those of us who see the damage, particularly the women and the parents of girls, must speak loudly to why and how this change needs to be made. Much love!