Researchers around the world are finding that men are being sickened by COVID-19 at a higher rate than women. Reports out of Italy showed that 82% of ICU patients were men between February and March. These levels are more than just chance, and this article tries to unravel the reasons why. (Hint: male sex hormones)
Also in the headlines, numerous protests around the world in response to the murder of George Floyd.
What if the virus was so much more deadly for men that they literally couldn't leave their house? What if women had to be the ones to protest and attempt to bring about social change?
Of course, some young men would go out regardless of the risk. BUT in general, these protests would be composed mainly of women.
A story based on the concept of women being responsible for societal change would trace its roots back to the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata by Aristophanes. In it, the women on both sides of the Peloponnesian War agreed to withhold sex from the men until they decided to negotiate peace.
A direct retelling would be a sexist view, but there could be a withholding of higher quality services to convince men who are stuck at home to come to the negotiating table. For example, basic food would be provided with no high-quality meals or favorite treats for male members of Congress who refuse to create new laws and policies around the systemic racism.
The moment the peace is brokered would be the end. The bulk of the story would discuss how police deal with the women protestors. They would have to take extraordinary precautions since the police are mainly men.
This story idea would be a comedy about how women deal with the protests, and the cops' reluctance to resort to violence against women. If written, this would be a standalone book or short story, a modern retelling of Lysistrata.
