The thing is, we do not live in a world that males tore apart in the Breaking. The women here are this way because of the world as it was, and the mis trust between the genders that this event caused.

Mistrust of men is one thing but the bickering, the pettiness, the distrust and disdain of everything is annoying at best, and completely insulting. For example Min and her viewings: She tells Siuan what she sees- dead Aes Sedai. But Siuan just dismisses it as Min not knowing how to interpret her own viewings, a gift she's had since birth. Only the unwisest of people would dismiss a gift like Min's. There is no wisdom among the women, only stubbornness and indoctrination.

The women aren't curious about learning more about what is possible, seeing only obstacles and not opportunities.

And let's not for get Elayne and her flirtation with Thom. How gross was that? If I remember correctly, Jordan writes that it was only natural for girls to flirt with their father figures and compete with their mothers. WRONG! I've never flirted with my dad or step-dad and I certainly don't feel competitive with my mother.

Like I said, I'm sounding off on my personal frustrations concerning this issue. Love the books, love the story. Just releasing.

I'm re-reading it. I read it back in college, a hundred years ago. Back then I remember thinking what pettiness among the women but now that I'm older, it's just infuriating and distracting. I think, as long as the forum allows, I'm going to make this my personal complaint board. (Your wife and I would probably get along well.)  I've read on other posts that he based the women on his wife's different personalities. I say he did her a great disservice. That or she's a one dimensional, contrary person.

So I'm on The Path of Daggers. The gals have finally fumbled upon the weather bowl and they are bickering. Honest to heavens, the world is counting on them and they are bickering.

Jack,

Pardon the redundancy. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has this complaint. I will find other discussions and do my bitching there.

Warm regards,

Kim

It seems that Jordan wants to write strong, resilient woman but I'm not sure he knows how. Instead of capable and discerning, most of the women come across as petty and stubborn. In my experience, women can be "cattier" but we certainly aren't as petty or ridiculous as Jordan portrays. It's very insulting and irritating that the women are constantly bungling and stumbling about. Their advancement seems to be a matter of luck and happenstance as opposed to purpose.

It makes me wonder about Jordan's relationship with women. Whenever I'm in a coed meeting, I find the women much more reasonable and willing to compromise and communicate.