What do women do when they get together? We sit around and talk! Men, not so much. My theory is that this difference is genetic and dates back to the hunter-gatherer societies, when the men had to be quiet as they hunted, lest they scare away the bison and then everyone starved to death and it was all their fault.

In this quote, Jenna McCarthy humorously explores the social differences between women and men, particularly in how they communicate. She suggests that when women gather, they tend to sit around and talk, while men are less likely to engage in the same type of social interaction. McCarthy offers a playful explanation for this difference, proposing that it might be genetic and rooted in the evolution of hunter-gatherer societies. In her view, the men's need for silence during hunting—so as not to scare away prey like the bison—has shaped how they communicate in modern times, making them less inclined to engage in prolonged conversation.

McCarthy’s theory connects human behavior with our ancient survival instincts. In the context of hunter-gatherer societies, men had to be cautious and strategic during hunting, as making noise could ruin the hunt, leading to potential starvation for the entire group. This need for silence and focus during hunting, according to McCarthy, might have led to the development of a more reserved communication style in men, even in contemporary social settings. In contrast, women, who were often engaged in gathering or nurturing tasks, might have had more opportunity to engage in social bonding through conversation.

The quote also highlights McCarthy’s humor and playful approach to discussing gender differences, suggesting that these differences are not just cultural but may have a biological or evolutionary origin. By invoking the image of the bison hunt and the potential consequences of loud, disruptive behavior, she uses humor to make a point about the ways human evolution can influence modern behaviors and expectations between genders.

The origin of this quote comes from McCarthy's broader discussions on gender differences and human nature. As a writer and speaker, she often uses humor to explore serious subjects like relationships, parenting, and communication. McCarthy's reference to hunter-gatherer societies serves as a fun and engaging way to consider how ancient survival instincts may still shape the way men and women interact with one another today.