Does gender matter?

We live in a constantly changing society. One that is willing to adapt and sometimes contradict certain stereotypes that have persisted for hundreds of years. Looking back at the gender issues a decade or two ago, some bear little resemblance to those that we face today, whereas others are the exact same. Through out our child hood we have been taught equality, the repercussions of bigotry, and above all the basic law; "treat others how you want to be treated." Yet some still insist on the superiority of the male gender. Shouldn't we all be equal; at least under the law, and in the opportunities we are provided. Should gender play a role in our lives? Well yes I believe it should, at least in our personal lives and the relationships that most crave as human beings. However that should be the extent of it. Gender should play no part in professional relationships and opportunities. It should not affect wages, nor should it affect how we view one another. Sure there are certain stereotypes that are very prevalent in our society, for example: women are worse drivers than men, women are more clean, guys are slackers, men can be players but women are looked down upon for the same actions. All of these opinions are ones that certainly do have a basis in reality, however they are not all encompassing. There are men that do not fit the "typical" male type, and likewise with the women as well. As Americans we promote ourselves as a very diverse, free, and equal nation. However, until we can look beyond gender as the defining characteristic in humans, the equality we strive for will never exist.