From Heasley's Queer Masculinities I found the many different categories to be interesting. The six scenarios were a new concept for me. The ending chapter on The Shadow of Masculinity is scarily true. It's unfortunate that there are men out there who are informed and yet they decide to be inactive concerning the problems that women and gays face. Heasley also brings up how people are shaped by experience and for men that is important to which category they find themselves falling into.Based on the feedback they receive for their ways and actions, men canbe either encouraged or disencouraged from performing masculinity in certain ways. Hennen's writings on Bear Bodies stimulated thought for me. I can forget about all the ridiculous, unnecessary pressures men face in terms of their physical appearance. Hennen calls it "a specifically classed presentation of self". Though, the irony regarding the physical obession is that no matter how men try to display and perform as heterosexual males, they could just as easily be mistaken for a gay male. And this I feel is due in part to the fact that the "distinctive" lines are blurring. Hennen mentions the rugged, "gay leatherman" who is more in favor of "authentic masculinity". Because these men wear baseball caps, jeans and sometimes sport beards, people probably assume their sexuality to be straight. I had no idea that within the "Bear" classification there were more specific categories like the term "cubs" meant for sexually submissive men, "grizzlies" for sexually dominant, and "polar bears" for gray or white-haired men. The last reading on Sissyphobia by Bergling explains the roots of feminine behavior among men. I have always wondered where and when negative connotations were attached to feminine masculinity.
Personally, I can relate with knowing many men in my life who are aware and informed on the subject of issues regarding gays and women, yet they decide to stay behind the scenes and uninvolved. The reading, specifically Heasley's, made me think about this and see it in a new light. While it's easy for me to expect that these men who I'm surrounded with should just step out and be a part of the solution, I was given the perspective from a different angle. I do believe it's hard for them, but at the same time, I'd like to believe if I was in their position and saw the struggle that women and gays face, I would want to be a part of the solution.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Blog 5
With Chapter 13 of Katz's Macho Paradox, the issue of men's violence against women being a problem of men is explained more in detail. I found the "Big Tent" approach interesting. The overall tone of the chapter is very uplifting and positive, focusing on simple involvement and change for men. Katz used a survey conducted by Lifetime Television to point out that 57% of men view gender violence as an extremely serious issue and how a different poll found that a quarter of men would do more about the issue if asked. I see this as a hopeful light and a breakthrough. With this information Katz goes on to outline ways men can step into the picture and be a part of the efforts to improve gender violence, which as he points out connects to a wide range of other social problems like youth violence, divorce, homelessness, alcoholism and HIV/AIDS.
Hooks, Chapter 7 sets straight the misconceived ideas of feminism. All feminists received the reputation of being antimale along with the title of "man-haters" because the media chose to give attention to only on a small faction of extremist, man-bashing feminists. In Chapter 11, Hooks speaks of war and how it has been an activity which has often served to define manhood itself. She states that a culture of war does not allow men to love. It creates men as the predators and women as the prey. While some individual men are able to break out and claim their rights to life and love, most still wed themselves to patriarchy. Hooks goes on to challenge the reader and society to work towards a culture where boys can be emotionally aware and love. A powerful quote of hers that stuck with me was "Love cannot coexist with domination".
Thompson's writing discusses necessary socialization shifts for young men. I found it interesting that he brings up "unlearning aggression". The socially positive qualities of tenderness, cooperation, and aesthetic appreciation are very important in young, adolescent development. Thompson has a new vision of masculinity.
A connection I pulled from the readings was regarding the war scene and environment. This does deprive men of a life where they can truly love and cherish other beings without being desensitized and bred to kill without emotion.
I think it sad that young boys are robbed of an upbringing centered around love.
Hooks, Chapter 7 sets straight the misconceived ideas of feminism. All feminists received the reputation of being antimale along with the title of "man-haters" because the media chose to give attention to only on a small faction of extremist, man-bashing feminists. In Chapter 11, Hooks speaks of war and how it has been an activity which has often served to define manhood itself. She states that a culture of war does not allow men to love. It creates men as the predators and women as the prey. While some individual men are able to break out and claim their rights to life and love, most still wed themselves to patriarchy. Hooks goes on to challenge the reader and society to work towards a culture where boys can be emotionally aware and love. A powerful quote of hers that stuck with me was "Love cannot coexist with domination".
Thompson's writing discusses necessary socialization shifts for young men. I found it interesting that he brings up "unlearning aggression". The socially positive qualities of tenderness, cooperation, and aesthetic appreciation are very important in young, adolescent development. Thompson has a new vision of masculinity.
A connection I pulled from the readings was regarding the war scene and environment. This does deprive men of a life where they can truly love and cherish other beings without being desensitized and bred to kill without emotion.
I think it sad that young boys are robbed of an upbringing centered around love.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Blog 4
CH. 1: Violence Against Women is a Men's Issue
I like that Katz doesn't fail to acknowledge how far we've come. It's very uplifting that he accredits women for coming so far in the past few decades- he calls it breaking through the historical silence about violence. And mentions that since this issues and social norms are so deeply rooted in structures of gender and power, it will take time. In this first chapter, Katz reminds the reader of how common violence against women is and because of that we are becoming someone desensitized to it. The perpetuation is what keeps it going and as Katz points out, the men and women who stand by are at fault as well. He speaks of how we continue a cycle of producing "physically and emotionally abusive --and sexually dangerous--boys and men each year".
CH. 2: Facing Facts
In this Chapter Katz brings up strong points about the media and how we have become cultured as a society to not relate with what is being reported. We hear the facts of rape and sexual assaults so frequently that it's just everyday talk and we are no longer concerning ourselves with the bigger issue of WHY these acts are happening. Numerous times in his writing Katz challenges us to question why men, since they are carrying out the majority of these violent acts, are acting in such aggressive ways. He knows that we deal with the aftermath of the problem with punishment but if we were to get at the core of why men are compelled to commit crimes like these in the first place we can take steps to prevent them.
CH. 4: Listening to Women
Within this chapter Katz brings up that men who work in the field of gender-violence prevention are often viewed by women in a skeptical way. I hadn't realized this but it's true. More often than not there will be that fear about men's motives and intentions when entering an area like this. Katz states that it is because we fear that men will "perpetuate traditional patters of egocentric male behavior". I found it interesting that hetalked aboutthe marginalization of women's opinions. While men can be ignored just as well, Katz clarifies that for women this happens because when they want to challenge something those with power and who don't like the conclusions these women are reaching simply perfer to shut them down.
CH. 5: Male Bashing?
One section of this chapter, Why Some Women Defend Men, interested me. It discussed how some men have tried to help women out of an abusive relationship but the women refuse to accept the help and get out of the situation. Katz explained that there arecomplexities behind the women's decisions, but even still I have trouble understanding why they would make the man who is intervening for her own good out to be the bad guy. I know that endless circumstances come into play- two main examples being financial security and children- I just think that anyone, male or female who is interfering for aperson's safety should not be criticized. The loyalty factor that was brought up in this part really disturbed me. When belittled and victimized it mustbe hard to know what you want, but to give outsiders the idea that you don't need their assistance or an escape is just confusing. Katz says that the helping men become frustrated and are then turned off of offering their help again. This is a complicated subject, but I enjoyed hearing Katz's analysis and opinions on it, especially since he has been involved with people in these circumstances.
With chapter four I found myself thinking about how I perceive male involvement in gender violence and women's studies in general. In the classroom I am usually relieved to see that some men actually take interest in the subject. A part of me wishes that a class like ourswas required for more college male students but also for females. By just acknowledging the basics, that there is a huge violence problem in our society, there is hope. Because like Katz points out, many of us are hushed at the fact that a lot of it connects back to men, making them responsible. In my experiences I've found that men feel the need to stand up for other men, feeling that the area of women's studies is attacking all men. But Jackson Katz is a man and he is facing the reality and looking for positive change in our thoughts and ways, hoping to help and better other men.
I like that Katz doesn't fail to acknowledge how far we've come. It's very uplifting that he accredits women for coming so far in the past few decades- he calls it breaking through the historical silence about violence. And mentions that since this issues and social norms are so deeply rooted in structures of gender and power, it will take time. In this first chapter, Katz reminds the reader of how common violence against women is and because of that we are becoming someone desensitized to it. The perpetuation is what keeps it going and as Katz points out, the men and women who stand by are at fault as well. He speaks of how we continue a cycle of producing "physically and emotionally abusive --and sexually dangerous--boys and men each year".
CH. 2: Facing Facts
In this Chapter Katz brings up strong points about the media and how we have become cultured as a society to not relate with what is being reported. We hear the facts of rape and sexual assaults so frequently that it's just everyday talk and we are no longer concerning ourselves with the bigger issue of WHY these acts are happening. Numerous times in his writing Katz challenges us to question why men, since they are carrying out the majority of these violent acts, are acting in such aggressive ways. He knows that we deal with the aftermath of the problem with punishment but if we were to get at the core of why men are compelled to commit crimes like these in the first place we can take steps to prevent them.
CH. 4: Listening to Women
Within this chapter Katz brings up that men who work in the field of gender-violence prevention are often viewed by women in a skeptical way. I hadn't realized this but it's true. More often than not there will be that fear about men's motives and intentions when entering an area like this. Katz states that it is because we fear that men will "perpetuate traditional patters of egocentric male behavior". I found it interesting that hetalked aboutthe marginalization of women's opinions. While men can be ignored just as well, Katz clarifies that for women this happens because when they want to challenge something those with power and who don't like the conclusions these women are reaching simply perfer to shut them down.
CH. 5: Male Bashing?
One section of this chapter, Why Some Women Defend Men, interested me. It discussed how some men have tried to help women out of an abusive relationship but the women refuse to accept the help and get out of the situation. Katz explained that there arecomplexities behind the women's decisions, but even still I have trouble understanding why they would make the man who is intervening for her own good out to be the bad guy. I know that endless circumstances come into play- two main examples being financial security and children- I just think that anyone, male or female who is interfering for aperson's safety should not be criticized. The loyalty factor that was brought up in this part really disturbed me. When belittled and victimized it mustbe hard to know what you want, but to give outsiders the idea that you don't need their assistance or an escape is just confusing. Katz says that the helping men become frustrated and are then turned off of offering their help again. This is a complicated subject, but I enjoyed hearing Katz's analysis and opinions on it, especially since he has been involved with people in these circumstances.
With chapter four I found myself thinking about how I perceive male involvement in gender violence and women's studies in general. In the classroom I am usually relieved to see that some men actually take interest in the subject. A part of me wishes that a class like ourswas required for more college male students but also for females. By just acknowledging the basics, that there is a huge violence problem in our society, there is hope. Because like Katz points out, many of us are hushed at the fact that a lot of it connects back to men, making them responsible. In my experiences I've found that men feel the need to stand up for other men, feeling that the area of women's studies is attacking all men. But Jackson Katz is a man and he is facing the reality and looking for positive change in our thoughts and ways, hoping to help and better other men.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Blog 3
From Pascoe’s written experiences I found it interesting how high schools really put emphasis on heterosexual relations through rituals and traditions- like school dances and other activities. I had never really noticed this before. When she described the Mr. Cougar ceremony as being similar to a wedding I made a similar connection with the homecoming king and queen assemblies held back at my high school. Pascoe points out how high schools often represent a reproduction of larger cultural meanings around gender and sexuality. At River High, Pascoe felt that many of the faculty members didn’t encourage homosexuality and often poked fun at it. She analyzed many different situations when teachers became uncomfortable and used humor as an outlet. While the drama teacher explained how he feels the word “fag” cannot be interchangeably used with “stupid”, he still would use jokes and pick up attempts (about a student dressed in tight, black clothes or the “sweaty men’s basketball team”) that implied he was gay. To me this demonstrated the fragilities of student/teacher relationships. If even the faculty and administrative staff are going to point out and denounce anything feminine or weak about boys then the problem within the student body has no chance of being improved.
In chapter 2, Pascoe clarifies that the existing “distinction between fag as an unmasculine and problematic identity and gay as a possibly masculine, although marginalized, sexual identity is not limited to teenage lexicon; it is reflected in both psychological discourses and gay and lesbian activism". This supports the fact that these cultural discriminations, while present in schooling, are part of the bigger picture. To think that they only exist in high schools is incorrect. Through her writings I also found it interesting that for African American males being white is feminine in itself. So African American boys tease each other differently about homosexuality than white boys. In her chapter “Being a Boy”, Hooks refers to a quote from Raising Cain, which asks our culture to “discard the distorted view of boys that ignore or deny their capacity for feelings”. Hooks is aware that we are only individuals in a culture seeped in traditional male and female roles, but she is still positive with her message in stating that we must begin somewhere. From this reading I gained a better understanding of the development of boys in our society and how isolation and antisocial behavior can deny boys of their sense of value and worth. The family and home environment combined create a large influence on young men and how they grow and create themselves. The root of male problems goes back to childhood.
Through personal experience I have seen how boys taunt each other with homophobic comments and how they constantly try to prove their manliness and dismiss any behavior that could be associated with homosexuality. Pascoe compared the teasing to a game of hot potato- boys are on the defense and ready to push the spot light off themselves and on to someone else. Attending an all girls high school, within the academic environment I wasn’t surrounded by boys. Though, this doesn’t mean that I missed out on their ways/behavior. If anything I feel that the all boys environment of our brother school magnified the homophobic remarks and insults. I’m sure the guys who have attended Saint Augustine would agree with me when I say that whenever a person finds out about a same-sex education, one of the first questions to follow is, “Were you surrounded with gays/lesbians??”. For clarity purposes and to prove themselves to other coed schools the boys were overly sensitive. This came through in different sporting events involving other schools and in other social situations. It’s strange to me that while the boys struggled with this as a girl, I never experienced anything remotely similar. Also, as Pascoe recorded in her study, females aren’t usually the ones putting this off on guys. More often than not it’s men doing the harm to other men. It’s as if they’re keeping each other in check, reminding each other of what’s appropriate for the male gender and what isn’t. But if this is hurtful and confining for them, you’d think they’d just stop doing this to one another.
In chapter 2, Pascoe clarifies that the existing “distinction between fag as an unmasculine and problematic identity and gay as a possibly masculine, although marginalized, sexual identity is not limited to teenage lexicon; it is reflected in both psychological discourses and gay and lesbian activism". This supports the fact that these cultural discriminations, while present in schooling, are part of the bigger picture. To think that they only exist in high schools is incorrect. Through her writings I also found it interesting that for African American males being white is feminine in itself. So African American boys tease each other differently about homosexuality than white boys. In her chapter “Being a Boy”, Hooks refers to a quote from Raising Cain, which asks our culture to “discard the distorted view of boys that ignore or deny their capacity for feelings”. Hooks is aware that we are only individuals in a culture seeped in traditional male and female roles, but she is still positive with her message in stating that we must begin somewhere. From this reading I gained a better understanding of the development of boys in our society and how isolation and antisocial behavior can deny boys of their sense of value and worth. The family and home environment combined create a large influence on young men and how they grow and create themselves. The root of male problems goes back to childhood.
Through personal experience I have seen how boys taunt each other with homophobic comments and how they constantly try to prove their manliness and dismiss any behavior that could be associated with homosexuality. Pascoe compared the teasing to a game of hot potato- boys are on the defense and ready to push the spot light off themselves and on to someone else. Attending an all girls high school, within the academic environment I wasn’t surrounded by boys. Though, this doesn’t mean that I missed out on their ways/behavior. If anything I feel that the all boys environment of our brother school magnified the homophobic remarks and insults. I’m sure the guys who have attended Saint Augustine would agree with me when I say that whenever a person finds out about a same-sex education, one of the first questions to follow is, “Were you surrounded with gays/lesbians??”. For clarity purposes and to prove themselves to other coed schools the boys were overly sensitive. This came through in different sporting events involving other schools and in other social situations. It’s strange to me that while the boys struggled with this as a girl, I never experienced anything remotely similar. Also, as Pascoe recorded in her study, females aren’t usually the ones putting this off on guys. More often than not it’s men doing the harm to other men. It’s as if they’re keeping each other in check, reminding each other of what’s appropriate for the male gender and what isn’t. But if this is hurtful and confining for them, you’d think they’d just stop doing this to one another.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Blog 2
A new concept for me from Hooks' centered around her idea about the father figure and how he is not allowed to express love. She tied in her personal childhood which involved her striving to gain her dad's attention and approval. I do feel that when a father doesn't serve as a strong
backbone of encouragement and provide love to the childrenthere is conflict. For me she shined light on the fact that men in general don't express their feelings so that when they do everyone around them shows an overvalue of it. While Hooks made very valid points, I got the impression that she has displaced a lot of her personal family experiences and mixed them with stereotypes to create a scewed image of all men. I did find it interesting that while identifying herself as "an enlightened feminist",Hooks admitted to not being okay with her partner revealing any kind of emotional vulnerability. I also consider myself a feminist yet I can relate with having experiences where I am mad at guys for showing signs of instability and weakness. This truly is contradictory of me and hits at the roots of our cultural expectations. Through this I realized how even my thoughts are influenced by our the standards of society. In Johnson's writing I found a new perspective on the system of patriarchy. He explained it as a collection of
individuals, more specifically men though it isn't only reduced to those participating in it. I liked the connection he made between patriarchy and a corporation and how both involve a bigger picture than most realize. I really liked how Johnson went back to correct negative words
associated with women, such as "witch", "bitch", and "virgin". Three words that have become so contorted to mean completely different things in today's world.I had never heard of the original meanings. From Kivel's piece I really enjoyed learning about the "Act Like a Man" Box. I do see this playing out in everyday life and how there is a need for acceptance into the box and once a
position within it is earned membership is held excusively for men, no women allowed. I found it uplifting that Kivel stated that the confinements of the box really are avoidable and how it's really up to men to decide whether or not they want to conform to it. Looking back on my past I can see how my dad raised my brother and I differently. Such a simple act like wearing nail polish was acceptable for me but when my older brother wanted my mom to paint his nails too she used clear nail polish because she knew my dad would reject the idea. In general my dad has always had different expectations for each of us and I feel a lot of this goes back to his own raising. While my dad didn't disencourage my brother's emotions he does manage to instillvery "manly" qualities in him.
backbone of encouragement and provide love to the childrenthere is conflict. For me she shined light on the fact that men in general don't express their feelings so that when they do everyone around them shows an overvalue of it. While Hooks made very valid points, I got the impression that she has displaced a lot of her personal family experiences and mixed them with stereotypes to create a scewed image of all men. I did find it interesting that while identifying herself as "an enlightened feminist",Hooks admitted to not being okay with her partner revealing any kind of emotional vulnerability. I also consider myself a feminist yet I can relate with having experiences where I am mad at guys for showing signs of instability and weakness. This truly is contradictory of me and hits at the roots of our cultural expectations. Through this I realized how even my thoughts are influenced by our the standards of society. In Johnson's writing I found a new perspective on the system of patriarchy. He explained it as a collection of
individuals, more specifically men though it isn't only reduced to those participating in it. I liked the connection he made between patriarchy and a corporation and how both involve a bigger picture than most realize. I really liked how Johnson went back to correct negative words
associated with women, such as "witch", "bitch", and "virgin". Three words that have become so contorted to mean completely different things in today's world.I had never heard of the original meanings. From Kivel's piece I really enjoyed learning about the "Act Like a Man" Box. I do see this playing out in everyday life and how there is a need for acceptance into the box and once a
position within it is earned membership is held excusively for men, no women allowed. I found it uplifting that Kivel stated that the confinements of the box really are avoidable and how it's really up to men to decide whether or not they want to conform to it. Looking back on my past I can see how my dad raised my brother and I differently. Such a simple act like wearing nail polish was acceptable for me but when my older brother wanted my mom to paint his nails too she used clear nail polish because she knew my dad would reject the idea. In general my dad has always had different expectations for each of us and I feel a lot of this goes back to his own raising. While my dad didn't disencourage my brother's emotions he does manage to instillvery "manly" qualities in him.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Blog1
A new concept I found in the readings was the idea that people actually learn to be women and men. This idea came up within each of the separate readings and really made me stop and think. Lorber’s piece, “Night to His Day” stated the idea that individuals are born sexed but not gendered—they have to be taught to be masculine or feminine. Within this piece the author quoted Sandra Ben as drawing attention to the hard fought battle to keep a child from falling into the “typical gendered attitudes and behaviors”. It’s very interesting to me that from childhood we strive to “do gender appropriately” and should we stray into unknown areas we’re held accountable for it. This also made me realize the immense significance of parenting and how a child can be shaped and influenced within his/her first few developmental years. With pointing out the need for children to do things based on conformance to the sex they appear to be, Green also links many of these learned genderisms back to childhood. In our youngest state we behave according to an assigned gender role. I really liked how Green revealed that we’ve really only been studying sex for over a century, meaning we know much more about plants than we do about ourselves.
We all make assumptions based off of what we observe and these assumptions come from our culture. The problem is that when we’re incorrect we become angry and frustrated, feeling deceived and displacing the blame onto the person who confused us. Not being able to classify a person makes us feel uncomfortable. And as Green mentions this brings us to question our own insecurities if we are so thrown off by someone else’s gender. I liked that Green brought up the amount of exceptions to the binary gender system. Knowing that there are people out there who differ from the standard, clear cut male/female categories really challenges one to think, what is it that makes me either male or female?
According to Moore and Lorber, divisions of society are taken for granted and we rarely break out to explore the process of how we came to create such divisions. From this reading I learned that actions and beliefs are what ultimately construct the gendered social order and that those on top and benefiting from it are the ones maintaining such structure. The appropriate gender norms are reinforced by culture, mass media and religions and through these outlets they reinforce social expectations. I had never viewed the human body as something that is “not natural but instead socially produced under specific cultural circumstances”. This is a very different way of seeing how we groom and present ourselves each day.
I reflected on Wilchins findings about how others devote time and energy to regulate our gender and we spend even more time learning, rehearsing, exploring and perfecting our gender. While we know there is influence all around us it’s disturbing to think that a lot of it is coming from the people we are surrounded by- some even being our parents or older figures who we’ve looked up to. I can find this applying to my own personal experience in that I’ve always greatly admired my grandma and how classy and refined she is as a woman. Since I was little she was a major influence on me and my behavior. I was taught to be polite and fall into a very traditional role, just as she was raised. And for a long time I wanted to be just like her. Until high school I never really realized how this confined me so much and I began to rebel against it. I know there are times now that she would consider my actions crude and inappropriate but I also know that she wouldn’t understand my motives. It’s hard to go against loved ones but at the same time I look back now and see that there’s a lot wrong with the learned gender norms and how they set certain standards and expectations.
We all make assumptions based off of what we observe and these assumptions come from our culture. The problem is that when we’re incorrect we become angry and frustrated, feeling deceived and displacing the blame onto the person who confused us. Not being able to classify a person makes us feel uncomfortable. And as Green mentions this brings us to question our own insecurities if we are so thrown off by someone else’s gender. I liked that Green brought up the amount of exceptions to the binary gender system. Knowing that there are people out there who differ from the standard, clear cut male/female categories really challenges one to think, what is it that makes me either male or female?
According to Moore and Lorber, divisions of society are taken for granted and we rarely break out to explore the process of how we came to create such divisions. From this reading I learned that actions and beliefs are what ultimately construct the gendered social order and that those on top and benefiting from it are the ones maintaining such structure. The appropriate gender norms are reinforced by culture, mass media and religions and through these outlets they reinforce social expectations. I had never viewed the human body as something that is “not natural but instead socially produced under specific cultural circumstances”. This is a very different way of seeing how we groom and present ourselves each day.
I reflected on Wilchins findings about how others devote time and energy to regulate our gender and we spend even more time learning, rehearsing, exploring and perfecting our gender. While we know there is influence all around us it’s disturbing to think that a lot of it is coming from the people we are surrounded by- some even being our parents or older figures who we’ve looked up to. I can find this applying to my own personal experience in that I’ve always greatly admired my grandma and how classy and refined she is as a woman. Since I was little she was a major influence on me and my behavior. I was taught to be polite and fall into a very traditional role, just as she was raised. And for a long time I wanted to be just like her. Until high school I never really realized how this confined me so much and I began to rebel against it. I know there are times now that she would consider my actions crude and inappropriate but I also know that she wouldn’t understand my motives. It’s hard to go against loved ones but at the same time I look back now and see that there’s a lot wrong with the learned gender norms and how they set certain standards and expectations.
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