Are we To Be Forever Enslaved To Stone Age Paradigm's

For the record I believe that physically and mentally men and women have evolved along different paths. This doesn't mean that I believe men to be superior to women or that women are superior to men. I simply believe that the inherent differences must be celebrated and empowered if we are ever going to create a world of peace and sustainable development.

Freedom

 I'm working on my 8th decade. For 6 out of 8 of those decades I've been a thinker that relishes learning about old things in a new way or new things in an old way. This morning, I have been pedaled into an exquisite mental Exstacy by M'lady as she drove me to ride deeper into the history of the bicycle. 

Standard Historical Account 

"...Let’s delve into the fascinating history of bicycles. 🚲

Earliest Unverified Bicycle:

• There are several early, but unverified claims for the invention of the bicycle. One sketch from around 1500 AD is attributed to Gian Giacomo Caprotti, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci. However, it was later described as a purposeful fraud.
• Another unverified claim is that a certain “Comte de Sivrac” developed a célérifère in 1792, which supposedly had two wheels set on a rigid wooden frame and no steering. However, it is now believed that the célérifère never existed and was a misinterpretation by a French journalist in 1891.
• In Japan, a pedal-powered tricycle called ‘陸舟奔車 (Rikushu-honsha)’ was described in 1732, but it was not further developed, and practical bicycle use in Japan began with imported European bicycles¹.

19th Century:

• 1817 to 1819: German Baron Karl von Drais introduced the draisine (also known as the velocipede), which was a wooden two-wheeler without pedals. Riders propelled it by pushing off the ground with their feet.
• 1860s: The Michaux “Velocipede,” also known as the “Boneshaker,” gained popularity. It featured pedals attached to the front wheel, making it easier to ride.
• 1870s: The high-wheel bicycle (penny farthing) became popular, but it was challenging to mount and dismount due to its large front wheel.
• 1880s and 1890s: The safety bicycle, with equal-sized wheels and a chain drive, revolutionized cycling. It was safer and more practical than the high-wheelers.
• 20th Century: Bicycles continued to evolve, with roadsters, technical innovations, and the impact of World War II.
• 21st Century: Hybrid and commuter bicycles, recumbent bicycles, BMX bikes, and mountain bikes emerged¹.

Bicycles have come a long way, influencing society, culture, and transportation. From the draisine to modern mountain bikes, they remain a beloved mode of transport and recreation. 🌟

If you’d like to explore more, feel free to check out the full Wikipedia article or this informative resource on the history of bicycles! 🚴‍♂️🌿" (Copilot)

Historical Account from A Liberation Perspective 

"...The history of bicycles and their impact on women’s liberation is a fascinating topic. Let’s explore it further:

1. Bicycles and Women’s Liberation:

   • The late 19th century saw a significant shift in bicycle design, which ultimately empowered women and changed societal norms.
   • The safety bicycle, developed in the 1890s, played a crucial role in this transformation. Unlike the high-wheel bicycles (penny farthings), the safety bicycle had a diamond-shaped frame with equal-sized wheels, air-filled tube tires, and gears. These innovations made cycling safer and more accessible for everyone, including women¹.
   • Susan B. Anthony, a prominent suffragist, famously stated in 1896 that the bicycle had “done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world.” It symbolized not just physical mobility but also the broader movement toward gender equality, embodying the fight for women’s rights and autonomy².

2. How the Safety Bicycle Empowered Women:

   • Personal Mobility: The safety bicycle gave women the personal mobility that men had enjoyed in the 1880s. It allowed women to move independently, away from restrictive domestic spaces and away from dependence on male chaperones.
   • Visibility and Identity: Riding the safety bicycle increased women’s visibility (literally) in society. It became a symbol of independence and self-reliance. Women who embraced cycling declared their mastery of this new technology and their desire for freedom.
   • Fashion and Practicality: The safety bicycle also influenced women’s fashion. Unlike the high-wheel bicycles, which required long skirts and posed safety risks, the safety bicycle accommodated women’s clothing. It allowed them to ride comfortably without compromising their attire.
   • Social Impact: Women’s cycling clubs formed, providing a sense of community and camaraderie. These clubs challenged traditional gender roles and created spaces where women could participate actively in recreational activities.
   • Economic and Social Freedom: Owning a bicycle meant economic independence for women. It allowed them to travel to work, visit friends, and explore their surroundings without relying on male companionship or expensive transportation¹.

3. Comparison to Other Movements:

   • The impact of the safety bicycle on women’s liberation can be likened to other transformative moments in history. For instance:
     • In the 1920s, women bobbed their hair as a symbol of liberation and modernity.
     • The youth movement of the 1960s challenged societal norms and advocated for change.
   • Similarly, the safety bicycle catalyzed a shift in women’s identity, mobility, and visibility during the late 19th century¹.

In summary, the safety bicycle not only revolutionized transportation but also played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights and autonomy. It allowed women to break free from traditional constraints and pedal toward greater freedom and independence. 🚴‍♀️💪🌟" (Copilot)

Historical Pushback From The Ruling Elite

 "...Women faced significant opposition to cycling, particularly during the late 19th century. Let’s explore some of the challenges they encountered:

1. Bicycle Face:

   • A peculiar and fictitious medical condition known as “Bicycle Face” emerged during this period. It was purportedly caused by the strain of cycling.
   • Symptoms of “Bicycle Face” included a pale, flushed appearance, lips permanently drawn, dark circles under the eyes, and a constant expression of weariness.
   • This concept was largely aimed at women and served as a tool to counteract the liberating effects of cycling on women’s mobility and societal roles during the nascent feminist movement¹.

2. Health Concerns and Opposition:

   • Anti-feminist opposition to women cycling was formidable. It often justified health concerns, including fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations, headaches, and depression.
   • Despite these hurdles, there were valiant women who dared to risk the so-called Bicycle Face syndrome and continued cycling¹.

3. Contemporary Challenges:

   • Even today, women face challenges related to cycling safety:
     • Harassment: Many women experience harassment while riding bicycles, affecting their physical and mental health.
     • Lack of Safe Routes: Insufficient safe cycling infrastructure and dangerous driving discourage women from cycling.
     • Visibility and Representation: The two-wheel commute remains largely dominated by men in many countries and cities²³.

In summary, women have historically encountered opposition to cycling, but their resilience and determination have contributed to positive changes over time. Efforts to create safer cycling environments continue, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in transportation. 🚴‍♀️💪🌟" (Copilot)

___________________________

The further I rode into the history of the bicycle and the more I let my mind cycle through history the more I saw a common thread emerging.

Mobility, freedom and elite power pushback ride along on a 'triple bike' throughout history. 

Whenever an event occurred that created the possibility for a large percentage of the proles to cast off their chains and move away from their oppressor, personal freedom flourished and elite pushback followed along. 

The Black Death, World War 1 and 2 are three events that come to mind. 

The Black Death killed off an estimated 30 to 60 percent of Europe's peasants. Those that remained became a valued commodity and as such became empowered to move from location to location to find the best deal for their skill set. European feudal society was forever changed. Though it did take a long time for the elite to surrender to the inevitable change and then only after a long and painful retreat. 

WW1 and 2 removed the male population on both sides of the front lines from civil society. Women were the only replacements available. Some moved out of the home into the local factories. Others moved across nations and continents. And of course, many women also signed up and fought on the front lines. After the war many of these women were unwilling to quietly give up their newfound freedom and self-worth and heroically fought to hold on to their liberation.

Conclusion

It just doesn't make any sense at all to keep men and women enslaved to Stone Age paradigms. 

Brian