What Are Weeds?
The Secret History of Weeds is based on Martin Luther's 16th century declaration
that girls are weeds growing in the garden of humanity. For purposes of
this book, weeds are a metaphor for the female half of humanity.
Without plants, including weeds, humanity cannot exist. Without the female
sex, humanity cannot exist. Without the female involvement in business,
government, and religion, humanity suffers untold losses.
History, both recent and past, shows that women are viewed as weeds when
they compete against male leadership for the authority to make changes.
Using the metaphorical concept of women as weeds and men as good crops
or valued plants, consider the benefits of both:
- Weeds, like valued plants, are complex chemical factories containing
chlorophyll and deriving energy from light in photosynthesis.
- Weeds, like valued plants, draw insects necessary to pollination
of crops.
- Weeds are pioneers of degraded landscapes where the soil is
worn out and valued plants are missing.
- Weeds, in the form of wild flowers, are environmentally and
aesthetically essential in shoring up eroding sand dunes.
- Weeds are necessary to the healing process of the landscape
and help set the stage for future growth.
- Weeds can quickly cover eroded soil, prevent further erosion,
and make room for future quality growth.
Weeds play important roles in ecological and economic systems by producing
practical benefits that further the interest and well being of society.
Males and females, just like valued plants and weeds, have differing perspectives
in confronting crises in the landscape. Both perspectives are necessary
to find the most long lasting and satisfactory approach to resolving problems
facing mankind.
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