Let's make some sweeping generalizations for a moment:

People are like animals. Women are like dogs. Go ahead, make the connection. We're Bitches. Some are friendly, with happy eyes and wagging tails. Some are more yappy and like to bark just to hear their own voice. Others are aggressive, growly and unapproachable. And yet, some are loyal and dedicated watchers of those they care about. Amazingly, some are trained to help others (mostly humans) see and hear.

Not all dogs are alike, and certainly not all dogs get along with each other just because they too are canine. There is no dog-like bond that connects us all or helps us understand each other. No, we are isolated into our territories, packs, neighborhoods, and familiar spots. In fact, we are even socialized into thinking that other dogs, outsiders, are a threat.

Why do women act this way? Why is it that when I try to get along with a female, she sees me as a threat or something to destroy instead of a potential ally or friend? A woman would rather change her position on something rather than have another female agree with her or join forces. Why is the instinct in the female psyche to destroy other females? Is it competitive socializing? "There can only be ONE and I AM THE QUEEN". Is that true? Why can't women be a strong force as a collective when necessary? Why does it take something like a threat to our reproductive autonomy or the ability to vote in order to get us to see that we are indeed fighting for the same team and cause?

I suppose the lack of definition for that cause could be part of the problem. The cause is equality. The cause is showing the world that women are not as "catty" as our reputations preceed, and that if women ruled the world, it really would be a better place.

What is a matriarchy without nurturing and inclusiveness? What is the essence of being a woman if we are not peacemakers and community-builders? What is our future if we cannot grab the delicate hands of the woman next to us and walk forward, proudly, as Sisters?

The few female friends I have in my life are close friends because we are part of the same team. We are uplifting one another, not stomping on one another, to reach the mountainpeaks we aim for. There is room for each of us up there. The whole mountain belongs to us. I will lift my 'Sister' up so she can have her turn at the top of the mountain, along with the rest of us. And we're all going to get back down that mountain in one piece, as a solid sisterhood.

Last week, after I'd had a bad afternoon from a casual-but-failed attempt to get along with another female for who I dare say I hold pockets of respect and admiration, I went to CVS to pick up some medication for my tonsilities. After the pharmacy had made a mistake with my prescription, I stood outside for a few moments to wait for them to fix it. An old black woman was standing outside with her shopping cart, having her cigarette, so I smiled and pulled out my own pack. Before I could even search for my own lighter, she was offering me her matches to use. She explained that she wanted to be nice and do a small favor for a stranger because that's her philosophy on living. She went on to explain how she has difficulty walking, and that a bus driver once drove off because she was taking too long to get to the steps of the bus door. She also talked about a movie, I cannot recall the title, where Michael Douglas plays a business man who's trying to get to his son's baseball game or something of the like, but a series of small unkind events causes him to go mad and begin a killing spree. I've never seen the movie, but she declared that people ought to be polite and nice to one another because you never know what someone is going through. What you do out of selfishness or thoughtlessness or competitiveness may be the straw too heavy for the camel's back. Her point was loud and clear. I wished her a blissful Mother's Day and went on with my day.

Something as simple as being cordial to your fellow females when she is trying to get along with you, and not attacking them or humiliating them or whatever other form of aggressive behavior one might revert to could mean the difference between social progress or primitive degradation.

You would think that if you stay out of the other dog's food bowl and mind your own poop, a casual interaction in the dog park would go smoothly and playfully. Territory is a volatile concept. On one hand, it is a space to protect and defend. On another, it is ownership, power and exclusion.

I have a general idea of the type of Bitch I am, and strive to be. Not all Bitches are the same. Some Bitches are harder to get along with than others. Some will growl fiercely and bare her teeth, long after my tail is between my legs and my ears relaxed back to show that I am not a threat and I just want to play.

So somehow we must all navigate through this animal kingdom. But what I suggest is a democracy or a republic, not a hierarchy or class system or fiefdom.

I'm just trying to throw the ball around on a nice day. Please don't eat my frisbee.