Critique " Sex, Lies, and Conversation" by Peggie McNeil

The essay is an essay that explains why men don't communicate well with women. Her assessment of the differences between male's and female's ability to communicate with each other is on the money. Although males and females have inhabited the earth since the beginning of time, like she stated,"there are many cross-cultural differences", and society assigns a role to each. Male children are integrated into society to interact mainly with other male children at a very early age ,and they are often frowned upon , thought of as being weak , or even gay if they interacted mainly with female children. The sexes usually don't mix until adolescence. It's only natural that the guys won't find it easy to communicate with the females. This is new territory for many of them ,and they wont feel as comfortable talking with the opposite sex as they will the same sex. As for females, most females are born with a natural ability to communicate,(Eve was the one that communicated with the serpent, not Adam), and many find it easy to communicate with just about anyone.

In most cases , men don't say much because they aren't sure how the female will react to their feedback. Like she stated in the essay, "Their greatest fear is being pushed away. But men live in a hierarchical world, where talk maintains independence and status. They are on guard to protect themselves from being put down and pushed around".

We as females should take in consideration the differences in the rearing of male and female children, and try to be a little more understanding. Many of the standards by which males were raise for generations are still in play today,almost as if evolution is at a stand still.

Did My Butt Look Big In Those Pantyhoses?

Have you ever had one of those days that made you feel like just crawling under the nearest rock, big or small, exposing only your eyes? Well, I've had a multitude of them. In fact, I'm sure if I had been living during the days of Kings, Knights, and round tables, I would have been the King's most buffoonish court jesters, without even trying. Sit back, relax, screw your wig on tight, and take a big swig of your beer because I'm about to entertain you with one such moment in my life. By the way, welcome to my world!


Somewhere between the eras of platform shoes and cell phones, I was an ambitious new student in a career development class. One day I had to come to school dress as if i was going on a job interview. I prepared as if I would be the President of the company. My hair, fried, dyed, and laid to the side. My dress, a sophisticated, yet sleek, fire engine red little number with tiny pleats all around the skirt,which made it flow with a mesmerizing motion. My makeup, a soft copper foundation, luscious plum lipstick, and just a touch of soft black mascara. My confidence, off the chart. I was fierce. I strutted down my driveway, which was now a catwalk, to my car. I arrived at school , and I notice three guys standing near the ladies room. I greeted them with a casual "good morning", and strolled into the ladies room. I exited the ladies room and observed that the men were still there. I then pranced into the student's lounge where I greeted two students that were already there," what's up ladies", then I proceeded to the drink machine. Piercing the silence, I heard them yell "Peggie, your dress is up in the back". I felt behind me and all I felt was my butt , covered only by the pantyhoses, which were very sheer!. I thought ," what the heck", and my mind went straight to the guys that were standing in the hallway. I felt flushed, and without warning, my legs turned into two wet noodles. I melted into the chair. Oh God, I thought, how would I face those guys again. I spied a brown paper bag on the table, and I thought to myself, I could cut two holes in that bag , put it over my head , and they won't recognize me!. No, that wouldn't work. The red dress is a dead give away. It was time to go back to class. I peeped out into the hallway and they were gone!. The day ended and it was now time to go home. I peeped out into the hallway ,and guess what, they were in the hallway ,again. Oh wow!, what now? Should I go to the other side of the building and exit through the front door?, I thought. I took a deep breath, checked my clothing, held my tummy in tight, threw my head up high, and strolled right passed them.

This experience left me with two ummms. At the end of that class, I received an outstanding student award,ummm. Did my butt look big in those pantyhose?, ummm.
What do you think?

Peggie Mcneil