A change would do you good

I am always fascinated by humanity's resistance to change and fighting for the status quo on the grounds of tradition when change is offered.

Consider that decades ago, women were effectively treated as second class citizens, some would argue not even as citizens due to their ineligibility to vote. Although inequalities still exist between men and women today, things are better than they were - at least in Western culture. But I'm certain that back then, men fought like the bastards we are to prevent changes and came up with all kinds of excuses why treating women better was just generally a bad idea. But things eventually changed.

Fast forward to today. There are folks who feel very strongly that the way we use animals in events like our Calgary Stampede Rodeo amounts to cruelty. Those involved as participants and avid spectators would argue that rodeo events are tradition and offer a slice of culture and history that showcases skills and practices that are all but forgotten in many parts of the world. Although this is true, the pundits counter-argue that just because we used to do something as part of our heritage or was considered a necessity at some point in our past doesn't mean that it should still be condoned today. Rodeo supporters claim that the animals are treated very well and that injuries are just part of the game. Animal rights activists suggest that it's time for everyone to see the events for the inhumane acts that they are and finally put a stop to them.

When it was first suggested that the act of smoking should be physically isolated from non-smokers, businesses especially cried foul, but reason won the day in due course and now non-smokers are no longer subjected to second hand smoke at work or in commercial establishments. I recall a time when I was smoking in a classroom (for adults). Those days are long gone, never to be seen again.

I remember when I was in the military, the culture evolved from one of essentially all men to one of a quickly increasing number of women. When human rights legislation was introduced by the government, a lot of things men in a men-only working environment would take for granted as acceptable behaviour were suddenly categorized as harassment. The outrage, exasperation and complaining were palpable. The older guys (who happened to be in charge) especially felt that conforming to a new set of behavioural standards would be too much work. No longer could offensive jokes be told. No longer could nude calendars hang on shop walls. No longer was physical flirting appropriate - by rule of law. They got their revenge by alienating the guys from the women by making the guys do all of the laborious tasks in the field, even though the women were willing and capable of doing it themselves.

Other changes that are being resisted in some manner, depending on where you live:

• Gay marriage
• Abortion
• Embryonic stem cell research
• Dedicated bicycle lanes
• Euthanasia
• Outlawing distracting actions while driving
• Government and election reforms
• Forcing developers to plan neighbourhoods that are sustainable.
• Universal health care for everyone.

Can you think of more?