Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
Given the cultural barriers to intersex conversation, the amazing thing is that we would even expect women and men to have anything to say to each other for more than ten minutes at a stretch. The barriers are ancient -- perhaps rooted, as some paleontologist may soon discover, in the contrast between the occasional guttural utterances exchanged in male hunting bands and the extended discussions characteristic of female food-gathering groups.
Summary
This quote suggests that the cultural barriers between men and women make it surprising that we expect them to engage in meaningful conversation for a long period of time. These barriers may have deep historical roots, with male hunting bands communicating through brief, primal sounds, while female food-gathering groups engage in more extensive discussions. The quote highlights the challenges faced due to cultural differences, making it remarkable that men and women are expected to communicate effectively despite these obstacles.