Thanks, that helps me understand it better. In my head I was comparing it to systems like apartheid. Which with apartheid there are clear economic benefits for the oppressors. Like cheap/slave labor and by having more opportunities than others. I'm not saying I agree with any of that, but I see why people would do it. But with the Taliban being such a part a patriarchal society to begin with, you would think at some point the oppression would have negative impacts on the oppressors. Of course, there I go trying to apply logic and reasoning for hatred and oppression.

I think the peacock comparison you made is perfect. I still can't comprehend how anyone could belittle another person to make themselves feel better, but it tracks. Thanks for the great response.