Change is nature

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I had an interesting and in-depth discussion with a friend the other day which hinged on how frustrating it is waiting for society to adapt to changes that are inevitable. It's a frustration many of us feel, whether it's to do with technology, climate change, education, gay marriage, vegetarianism or any one of a hundred other issues that are still to reach their time.

It's slow waiting for society to catch up with its most progressive citizens. My friend described it as 'glacial', but that's not the word I'd use. From an evolutionary standpoint, societal change actually happens pretty fast.

Following is a list of dates when various countries granted women the right to vote, which I am shamelessly ripping off from Richard Dawkins' well-researched and highly-readable book The God Delusion.

Women given the right to vote

• 1893 - New Zealand
• 1902 - Australia
• 1906 - Finland
• 1913 - Norway
• 1920 - United States
• 1928 - Britain
• 1945 - France
• 1946 - Belgium
• 1971 - Switzerland
• 2006 - Kuwait

As with anything, a bit of context is great for establishing perspective. The conversation we had was sparked by Barack Obama being elected president, and how much will really change because of it. I don't have time to start a discussion on that now, but I will post an essay on the subject when I have gathered my thoughts properly.

In the meantime, that list makes you think huh? I know folks who say people are people, some things never change and you can't change nature. I reckon that's bollocks. Change is nature.

What's the change in society you're waiting for? Leave a comment below.