For thousands of years, a majority of cultures and religions have denied rights to women available to men. The reason for this goes deeper than our genitals. In both men and women there exists the masculine and feminine polarity. Many cultures over-value the masculine pole in this duality. Women have been devalued in large part because in traditional cultures they embodied more feminine energy than men.

Chauvinism is a bias for masculine energy in men, women and transgender that is deeply ingrained in American and other cultures. It affects both men and women by creating shame for the man or woman who expresses more of their feminine side than masculine side, which is most commonly expressed in a bias against deep feelings.

To understand the masculine/feminine duality think of any two extremes or contrasts. An object and the space it is in. Space is taken for granted. The object in the space gains our attention. Yet without space there is no possibility of an object, making space primary. The speaker holds our attention more than the listener and shows good speakers more respect than good listeners. Yet what value does a speaker have without anyone listening?

Everyone in this world defaults to chauvinism as a result of the current global cultural bias. It is not until we actively consider, experience and make a different choice that we start treating our feminine side and the feminine side of other people with the same respect, dignity and value as the masculine.

To learn the level of your own bias, answer the question: Which of the following roles would you like to be seen and talked about playing with people you want to impress?