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.
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I like what your last sentence says. it is true that when a young boy doesn't get the love and attention he deserves, there isn't a way for him to release that anger. Think about older people, they live without a care because they know they are going to die soon. There isn't much of a discussion when it comes to that. Why as young people don't we live the same way?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the point you made about young boys being dreprived from upbringing center around love. I have a young brother that is angry all the time and I believe this is due to the fact that he was taught not to show his emotions. I feel that if my family had given him more attention he would not get mad so quickly.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I liked how you throughly explained the module
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