The Kitchen or Parliament?

A Humorous Dialogue on Women in Politics

By Plutonix

In this playful dialogue, the legendary philosopher Socrates engages in a lively discussion with his old friend Cephalus on the age-old question of women’s roles in society. The two explore whether women are truly confined to the kitchen, or if they possess the ability to excel in leadership positions—perhaps even surpassing men in various fields. With the upcoming elections in Mauritius as the backdrop, the conversation humorously examines the possibility of a woman rising to the highest political office in the country.

Socrates: Ah, Cephalus! My old friend! I must ask you a question that has been gnawing at me more fiercely than a Spartan warrior at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Do you think women are confined to the kitchen, or can they do as much, or even better, than men in most fields?

Cephalus: (laughs) Socrates, my dear philosopher, it seems you’ve been thinking too much again! But isn’t it true that for centuries, women have been seen as the guardians of the kitchen, masters of the mop, and the rulers of the rolling pin?

Socrates: Indeed, that is the tradition. But let me ask you this: if a tradition is outdated, should we continue it just because it’s old? I mean, we don’t still believe that the earth is flat, right? (pauses) …Well, most of us don’t, anyway.

Cephalus: Touché, Socrates! But surely you must admit that women have a natural knack for managing the household. They’re nurturing, caring, and—let’s be honest—who else can find a lost sock faster than a woman?

Socrates: A fair point, Cephalus. But tell me, does the ability to find a sock disqualify someone from finding, say, a solution to national debt? Or from leading a country? After all, if they can manage a household budget with one income, three kids, and a cat that eats like a lion, surely, they can manage a national budget, no?

Cephalus: (chuckles) I see where you’re going with this, Socrates. But let’s not forget that men have historically been the leaders, the generals, the ones who charge into battle. Surely that counts for something.

Socrates: Ah, yes, the glorious charge into battle. But Cephalus, let me remind you that charging into battle often results in one thing: a lot of noise, followed by a lot of mess. Women, on the other hand, know how to clean up the mess—and sometimes, it’s the mess left by men’s decisions. Don’t you think it’s time we let them skip the cleaning and go straight to making the decisions? 

Cephalus: Socrates, you’ve always had a way with words! But even in the USA, where women have risen to the top in business, education, and science, there’s still hesitation to endorse a woman for the highest office. Just look at the skepticism around Kamala Harris!

Socrates: True, my friend. But isn’t that the very reason why more women should be in politics? If the field is as dirty as you say, who better to clean it up than someone who can spot a speck of dust from a mile away? Besides, if women can excel in science and technology, surely, they can figure out how to run a country. After all, if they can program a computer, they can certainly outmaneuver a stubborn senator or two.

Cephalus: (laughs) You may have a point there. But only 6% of people in that Pew Research survey said that women make better political leaders than men. Why do you think that is?

Socrates: Ah, Cephalus, that’s the paradox! On one hand, society acknowledges that women are honest, intelligent, and capable. On the other hand, they’re still reluctant to hand over the reins. It’s like recognizing someone’s great cooking skills but refusing to let them near the stove. What do you think?

Cephalus: I think it’s because of tradition, Socrates. People are creatures of habit. We resist change, especially when it threatens our comfort zones. And let’s be honest, some men are just afraid of being told what to do by their wives both at home and in Parliament!

Socrates: (smirks) Indeed, Cephalus! But isn’t it time we challenged those comfort zones? After all, conservatism may preserve traditions, but it also keeps us from progress. And progress, my friend, is like a good cup of wine—best enjoyed when shared with everyone, regardless of gender.

Cephalus: Well, Socrates, I suppose you’re right. Change is inevitable, but it does take time. And maybe, just maybe, the upcoming elections in Mauritius will be the perfect opportunity to see a woman rise to the top. If women in South Korea, Germany, and New Zealand can lead, why not here?

Socrates: Exactly, Cephalus! And who knows? Perhaps we’ll find that a woman leader is just what we need to clean up the messes of the past and pave the way for a brighter future. After all, if she can manage a kitchen, she can certainly manage a country. And with that, I believe we’ve had a most delightful discussion. But as always, the pursuit of wisdom continues.

Cephalus: Indeed, Socrates. Until our next debate, my friend! And who knows? Maybe by then, we’ll have a woman Prime Minister to toast to!

As Socrates and Cephalus part ways, the dialogue leaves us with a humorous yet thought-provoking reflection on the potential of women in leadership. The discussion, infused with humour and wit, reminds us that while traditions are important, they should not stand in the way of progress. As Socrates aptly puts it, the pursuit of wisdom is an ongoing journey—one that requires us to question, challenge, and embrace change for the betterment of society as a whole.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 9 August 2024