We Should Reject Traditional Masculinity Article by Cooper Thompson Presentation by Carleen Sanders

Outline Introduction The article Review Outline Question A new image of strength Learning violence The cost of masculinity New socialization for boys Schools and athletics Boys will be boys Review

“If you woke up tomorrow and discovered that you were the opposite sex from the one you are now, how would your life be different?” Girls: positive response. Less victimization, “increased independence and career opportunities….” Boys: negative response. Disgust and refusal to answer the question. “If I were a girl, I would be stupid and weak as a string.” If I were a girl, I’d kill myself.”

A New Image of Strength New image: permanent, woman and lion. Force is not involved. Old image: temporary, “… based on dominance and control acquired through the humiliation of others”

Learning Violence Combined: the hatred of feminine qualities Homophobia: the hate and fear of gayness. Misogyny: the hate of woman Combined: the hatred of feminine qualities

The cost of Masculinity Boys “should be tough (aggressive, competitive, and daring)” – causes pain and insecurity in a boys life Boys should not posses nurturance (loving, caring, and gentle) – causes “greater emotional distance from other people and few opportunities to participate in meaningful relationships.”

New Socialization for Boys There is a biological difference, but environment and culture have a greater impact on defining masculinity. The new man Accepts vulnerability, expresses a range of emotions, learns to ask for help and support. “…be gentle, nurturant, cooperative, and communicative . . . Learn non-violent ways of resolving conflicts.” Accepts traditionally feminine behavior.

Schools and Athletics Participation in athletics easily becomes a lesson in “…toughness, invulnerability, and dominance.” Schools should be a place for boys to learn the more feminine qualities – “nurturance, non-violent conflict resolution, and strategies for empathizing with and empowering others.”

Boys will be Boys “If schools were to radically alter this culture and substitute for it a new vision of masculinity, what would that look like?” Express all emotions Re-arrange values “Fathering” More respect for females All talent equally appreciated

Review Combined, ______ and ______, are the hatred of feminine qualities. Toughness is a positive quality in men but ______ is a negative quality in men according to society. While biological differences are definitely present, ______ has a greater influence on masculinity.