Male social groups tend to like explicit rules and heirarchies and value mastery (of a subject/skill/whatever), while female groups tend to be more relationship-based (and with fewer explicit rules) and open to exceptions, valuing relationships. So, yeah, the military's pretty male.
This is interesting when applied to Mal. Because on the surface he projects the male value set (values the skills of Kaylee, Zoe, Simon, Wash) and his explicit unquestioned authority. But in action he frequently (almost begrudgingly) exhibits the female value set: makes exceptions (doesn't space Jayne, takes on Simon and River despite the inherent danger to his ship), and obviously values relationships (perhaps most explicitly with Kaylee, though clearly also with Zoe).
Another thing about Mal is that while he doesn't brook anybody questioning his orders, he does actually listen to this crew and make adjustments.
Like I said, I only know the two guys, so a totally unscientific sample population. Probably says more about me (that I am friends with them) than it does about men raised by single moms.
Sue, you didn't have to delete your post - I'm sorry, I probably pissed off numerous people. Take it as a character study of arby's friends instead. Please don't hate me.
No, I didn't delete it because I was PO'd. I just have a weird thing about talking about other's experiences on the interbunny. You know, it's not really my experience to share.
Especially since some of my friends might lurk here.
Whew! wipes brow
Now I'm paranoid about my friends seeing my post. But at least I'm not [as] paranoid that everyone hates me. Unless sfmarty is enraged.
[/oversensitive]
Dang, missed Sue's post.
I like DavidS' breakdown. Now I know why I buy that Mal was raised by a strong woman, in the company of roughneck men.
Joss Whedon and Nathan Fillion had nothing to do with this. It is all DavidS.
OK, that's a lie.
It was another counterexample using someone she knows.
OK, that's a lie.
Yeah, but it's a lie I'm willing to live with. And perhaps promulgate.
