"Real Men..."

Less than a year ago, I heard about Ashton Kutcher's mission to help end "child sex slavery." While the mission is noble, his way of attracting attention with his advertisements is lazy. After you watch, how does this commercial limit men (and women) and how do you feel about it?

Another Tide Commercial

In search of the previous Tide commercial I posted, I came across another "interesting" commercial. This commercial operates with the same father as the previous one. However, in this commercial, he identifies himself as a "dad mom." How do you feel about this term and its connotations that "nurturing" is designated to femininity? 

Tide Commercial

I have been seeing this commercial all over television. Since we were just discussing the unequal allocation of housework in class (Theories of Masculinity), I thought I would post this. How do you feel about how Tide addresses fathers (or men) doing housework?

Inequities for children of gay parents

When I was checking the news this morning, this headline caught my eye. This article illustrates some of the very serious legal inequities (as well as the social stigmas) faced by households with gay, bisexual, and transgender parents. While we all know that marriage equality and equal rights for all of those who are not heterosexual are hotly contested issues today; I was not quite aware of the extent to which the exploitation of children was being used as a weapon on behalf of equal rights opponents in order to achieve their end. I think there is a touch of irony here, or probably more accurately this could be deemed outright hypocrisy and, if it wasn’t so sad, I’d laugh. I think this article shows us some of the negative, tangible effects of this bizarre, mythological normative social unit we refer to as “the nuclear family.”

I think Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler said it best when he said: “Same-sex marriage is a pro-family measure.”

Dealbreaker: He Has Low Self-Esteem

This article is pretty interesting. We follow a feminist author who engages in a months-long text-relationship with a man with low self-esteem (lack of employment enables him not to "feel like a man"). The author explains her mixed feelings- the feminist in her wanted to liberate him from his own problematic gender expectations while she allowed him to manipulate her emotional investment. To rub salt into the wound, he ends up meeting another woman! I'd like to know more about this other woman and why she "won" (although, this guy doesn't seem like much of a prize). Was she far less successful than he was? Was she just unsuccessful enough to make him "feel like a man"? Did she enable his "identity crisis" more than the author? The reason why this interests me so much is because if a successful woman makes this guy feel emasculated, what in particular does not emasculate him? That in itself, I'm sure, is entirely problematic and in need of some serious unpacking.

He wants to be a Girl Scout,

I was skimming the headlines on cnn.com and ran across a story about a boy in Colorado who identifies as female who wants to be in the Girl Scouts and was told no. He was told that "boy parts" aren't allowed in the troop.  Check out this video to hear more.

He wants to be a Girl Scout

Hegemonic Masculinity in 90's Pop Culture

The other day I was watching "Roseanne" - I can't lie, it's one of my favorites! - and I noticed that the episode was called "Stand On Your Man."

In this episode, we can see hegemonic masculinity at it's "finest" in 1990's popular culture. In the first clip, the first 2 minutes or so, we can see Dan and his "buddies" playing poker and adhering to their ideas of hegemonic masculinity within their society. Arnie's ex-wife nancy has recently come out as a lesbian, which he feels is a threat to his masculinity.




This entire episode deals with issues of masculinity, as Dan feels he must display his masculinity and "protect" Roseanne now, after she is attacked by a man in her restaurant. We can see this in the last few minutes of the clip above, and in the first few minutes of the following clip. The part of this episode which first caught my attention begins around 5 minutes through in the following clip: Arnie comes to talk to Nancy to "reaffirm" his masculinity after learning that she is a lesbian.

Sticky Fingers, Male and Female

This article addresses the differences between male and female shoplifters. It was surprising to read an article for the New York Times (written by a female) include assumptions like a "lesser" gender, bored and lonely women who steal just because they are broke, or repressed female sexuality and psychic injuries woman suffered as children. Although the author (somewhat) attempted to debunk these myths linked to shoplifting, the presentation provided more attention to previous bogus assumptions and failed to provide any current analysis. What do you think?

Dealbreaker: She's a Bro

Okay, there is so much to unpack in this article! It definitely reads like one of the more problematic articles in "Men Speak Out", but there are many interesting things going on at the same time. The author (a heterosexual man) is talking about girls that he dates who he deems "bros". The term "bro" or referring to something as "bro-y" is somewhat new to me in pop-culture, although I think I have a handle on it's implications. I think some of the things that would be considered "bro-y" for a male would be along the lines of polo shirts, fraternities, those cheap ray-ban sunglasses imitations with the neon sides. The author talks about girls who are "bro-y"- namely in conjunction with sororities, knowing all the words to "Don't Stop Believing", and, my personal favorite, girls who fetishize gay men because they want a "sassy" best friend (a role that the dominant culture has informed both women and gay men that is acceptable). The article brings up many interesting points, but I was wondering why the "type" of girl he is describing still falls under the category of "bro". Is this sexist? Is the entire article sexist? What do you agree with and what do you find problematic? I'd be interested to know!

Hormone Therapy for Pre-Teen

We recently talked about different "types of lesbians" and we watched Venus Boyz so I felt this article was pretty relevant to what we have been discussing in class.

Personally, the biggest issue I see is that the long term side effects are unknown for this therapy on a child. From what I know medicine works differently in adults than it does in children. I feel like more medical research should be done to improve such therapy. However, from what I understood this is not a sex change, just a hormone blocker. So using this for a couple years is not making the decision to change his sex/gender at an early age, but instead preventing puberty so that Thomas has more time to make a proper decision.

What do you all think?

American Military Officer "Schools" Iraqi Police

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JGbQBl8KlCo

This link will take you to a video where American military hyper masculinity is clearly displayed. This video is about 5.5 minutes of one American Military officer shouting at and insulting Iraqi police for being "pussies" for being "women" for not initiating aggression and conflict but instead relying on American soldiers to do it all.

"You want fuel and guns and shit from me but you don't get off your lazy asses and do anything"

He even threatened to beat all of them and show them how to be "real men".

This video clearly displays what American hyper masculinity in the military is all about and what is pretty much expected from men entering the military. The tactics this officer was using on the Iraqi police are tactics used on Americans in training - degradation, subjugation, and threatening and frequent emasculation.
This treatment of men and degradation of women is constantly perpetuated by actions like this in the United States and overseas. This is how some men in our military wish to represent "strong, capable, courageous, independent, FREE" American men and by extension American women as weak and ill-willed things to be ridiculed.
Is this how we want our military representing us? I think not.

"No means Yes, Yes Means Anal"

This was discussed in last night's chat if anyone did not know the reference I've linked the article.

Heinz Deli Mayo Commercial

Heinz Deli Mayo Commercial

Take a look at this video. Would they play this Heinz commercial in the U.S.? I will answer for you...NO!

Paws for Peace

Unfortunately, one of the ways that masculinity is expressed in American society is through domestic violence. Often, pets are harmed in violent homes. According to Harbor House, Orange County's DV shelter, 48% of DV victims delay leaving their homes because they fear for the safety of their pet. 88% of animals living in DV households are either abused or killed, and 57% of survivors entering DV shelters in the US have had a pet killed by their abuser.

It is unacceptable that pets are being treated as collateral damage in domestic violence situations. That's why you should join Harbor House in their 2nd annual Paws for Peace walk, as they raise money to build Central Florida's first shelter for pets of residents in their shelter! Click on the blog title for more information.

Update: Dr. Pepper TEN's Sexist Campaign

If you remember a few blog posts back, I wrote an entry about Dr. Pepper TEN's campaign about how it "isn't for women". Stefanie Harmon made another post with some more info.

In any case, the website has been edited to remove the 'not for women' bit. But the commercials are still going strong. Sign Change.org's petition to help get it removed!

Milk PMS Advertisement

I'm sure we've all heard about this pleasant advertisement from the "Got Milk?" campaign....I found a video online of the commercial.

I have been reading about this since July and clearly repulsed but I have yet to see an actual commercial or advertisement for it other than their website. They pulled the ad campaign early but still called it a "success". http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/got-milk-pulls-pms-campaign-early-yet-calls-it-success-133591

The comments at the bottom are startling, one person goes: "These ads made me laugh and there is truth to all of them. We should accept the fact that we are emotional and can be psychotic during this time. Men accept it and love us still:)" ....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Only one came to a slight defense of women but in a backwards way, she said that yes, calcium reduces PMS but makes symptoms (ache, tenderness....etc) worse....yeah, well not to mention the multitudes of HORMONES that are in non organic store bought cow's milk...

This campaign is ridiculous and I'm so glad they pulled it but I have no doubt that they really did think it was a success because people, like the above commenter, supported it and bought into it, showing the power of mainstream media in constructing gender roles based on biology and constructing them in such a way to have people say "Oh, poor guys! Their masculinity is always being threatened by crazy women on their periods!"

Michael Monet

http://michaelmonet.wordpress.com/

This is the Michael I was talking about in class last night. This website documents his experience with transitioning. He is a beautiful writer. He's also a personal trainer and has designed programs specifically for the trans body. Hope you'll check out his thoughts and writings. He removed his videos from youtube, so I'm not sure if he's going through something right now.

When I Was a Boy

This is one of my favorite songs and I thought it applied to this past week's focus on female bodied masculinity (and male bodied femininity for that matter.)

Dar Williams: When I Was a Boy

Click Here

Dr Pepper 10 "Is Not for Women."

A great Article on the most recent campaign by Dr Pepper.



Here is the current commercial airing.

CLICK HERE

What do you think?

Legalizing Domestic Violence(?!?!)

I just ran across this article and I have to say that this is absolutely ridiculous! I think it is important not only to think about the immediate implications of this plan, but also what this says about masculinity and domestic violence. It seems that this plan is saying that it is not that big of a deal to act violently towards women, as long as you are not a repeat offender. WHAT?!


Legalizing domestic violence: Topeka's 'terrible' plan to save money
Just in time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Kansas' capital city is on the verge of decriminalizing domestic battery as part of a budget standoff
posted on October 7, 2011, at 11:35 AM
Due to budget cuts, domestic violence cases may no longer be prosecuted in Topeka, Kan., potentially sending a "terrible message" to victims of domestic battery.

Due to budget cuts, domestic violence cases may no longer be prosecuted in Topeka, Kan., potentially sending a "terrible message" to victims of domestic battery. Photo: Gaetano/Corbis SEE ALL 24 PHOTOS

The Topeka City Council will decide next week whether to essentially legalize domestic violence in the Kansas capital, in a budgetary game of chicken with Shawnee County, which encompasses Topeka. The fight started when Shawnee District Attorney Chad Taylor, facing a 10 percent budget cut for next year, announced Sept. 8 that his office would no longer prosecute misdemeanor cases, including those involving domestic violence, inside Topeka city limits. The City Council is betting that if it strikes Topeka's ordinance against domestic battery, it will force Taylor to reconsider. Here's what you should know:

What happens if Topeka follows through?
If the City Council repeals the domestic-battery ordinance, municipal courts wouldn't be able to take on those cases, effectively sending the ball back to Taylor's court. Domestic violence is still a state crime. But "because only Taylor has authority to decide what cases he files and prosecutes," domestic violence prosecution could slow to a trickle, says The Topeka Capital-Journal in an editorial. Repeat offenders are charged as felons, and the D.A. would still take those cases.

How bad could this get?
Already, the standoff is putting victims in grave danger "in the world that does not exist inside of an Excel spreadsheet," says Erin Gloria Ryan at Jezebel. Taylor has rejected at least 30 domestic violence cases since Sept. 8, and the 18 people arrested in Topeka for domestic battery have all been released from county jail because no charges were filed. And even if Taylor eventually blinks, and decides to resume prosecuting first-time offenders, the City Council's decriminalization of domestic violence would still send "a terrible message to victims of domestic battery and the entire community," says The Topeka Capital-Journal's editorial board.

How dire is the financial situation?
In 2012, the D.A.'s office expects to see $347,765 cut from its budget — which is $3.5 million this year. Of course, if nobody takes these domestic violence cases, it could save some money in the short run, says Marie Diamond at ThinkProgress. But domestic violence has "staggering financial consequences" — medical costs, for instance. There are bigger human costs, too, says Topeka victims' advocate Claudine Dombrowski. If the city and county keep up this "disgusting" fight, "they need to invest in headstones, because these women are going to end up in cemeteries."

Who should shoulder the blame?
Everyone involved says they believe domestic violence needs to be prosecuted vigorously, but that they can't pay for it, says Maya Dusenbery at Feministing. And "it’s hard to blame them too harshly for that," given the deep budget cuts hitting states and cities. "Thanks, austerity!" Maybe, says National Organization for Women's Kari Ann Rinker. But right now, local officials are just "finger-pointing and blaming" like 5-year-old children, and they all deserve "some amount of blame" for putting women at undue risk.

Masculinity in Disney Movies

This video illustrates the various portrayals of masculinity in all of our favorite Disney movies. It's crazy that you never even think about it or realize these things when you are a child, even though they play such a huge role in your socialization!

Rethink Breast Cancer Campaign

This video caught my eye and made me smile. The men in this video embody stereotypical "masculinity" however in context of the video they do not come off as "aggressive" or "powerful" or "dominating." How do these men fit into the modern concept of masculinity?

Why Men Are in Trouble

I would like to preface the article by noting that it is woefully problematic. The author, William J. Bennett, is an upper-middle class white man- and that is exactly the angle presented in the article. The most startling statistic he offered was "Today, 18-to- 34-year-old men spend more time playing video games a day than 12-to- 17-year-old boys." Although his points of men's lack of maturity and ambition are provocative, his solutions (industriousness, religion, marriage) are archaic. The article read as if it intended to register fear in men that "the women are getting ahead" (as if that would be a bad thing). It is full of sexist language (i.e. the dawn of "mankind", men are the "dominant sex") and concludes with masculinity crisis inducing "it's time for men to man up". What Bennett fails to talk about is HOW men got this way- and it's not by lack of faith- it's because of the harmful effects patriarchy can have on EVERYONE. The masculinity crisis is one that should be taken far more seriously than Bennett seems to realize- men don't need to "man up", they need to be able to express emotion, become vulnerable, heal, and join forces with women, transgendered individuals, and gender queers. In my opinion, steps toward a harmonious and progressive future would be far more advantageous than attending weekly church services.

The Fountainhead

In one of my film classes, we recently watched The Fountainhead. The basis of the film (written by Ayn Rand) revolves around her desire for people to be individualists above all. Attached is a clip (http://youtu.be/VkAz8rw8kqY) from the film including the protagonist of the film, Howard Roark, played by Gary Cooper. Disregarding that, what is glaringly missing from the speech?

Gisele Bundchen Ad: Degrades Women or Underestimates Men or Both?

Recently, I read an article (http://gu.com/p/329p6) about Gisele 's sexist ad and the subsequent banning of it in Brazil. The attached article discusses the heightened female violence (domestic violence and murders) in Brazil and how this ad relates to the serious and severe female issues there (Portilho-Shrimpton). Furthermore, the ad can be dissected in a myriad of  ways in relation to the message. Does the ad portray women as sexual objects or does the ad underestimate men and their "self-control" or both? Also, read some of the comments (if you have time) and see how some people digested the ad.

Works Cited

Portilho-Shrimpton, Thais. "Gisele's sexist lingerie ads are no laughing matter in Brazil." The Guardian. 30 September 2011. Web. 5 October 2011.

Should Facebook Ban Rape Jokes?

Found this article from Slate.com this morning. It's very frustrating to read, because the author just attributes these rape jokes to "silly male teen humor". The author also asserts that the point of comedy is to make light of tragedy. What the author completely ignores is the fact that Facebook is a main source of information for teenagers, making these "silly" jokes viable sources of social conduct. It was a disappointing read from a "progressive" site like Slate. The article's defense of the jokes is almost as insulting as the jokes themselves. There is no author cited, but I'm willing to bet that it is a man. These are exactly the kind of casual and nonchalant attitudes towards rape that need to be eliminated!

Chief Raoni, I cry with you.

Chief Raoni crying when he learned that the President of Brazil approved the Bel...o Monte dam project on the Xingu indigenous lands. Belo Monte will be bigger than the Panama Canal, flooding nearly a million acres of rainforest & indigenous lands. 40,000 indigenous and local people will be forced off their native lands (as well as millions of unknown species & plants) In the name of "progress" --NorthAmerican WebDesign

In these moments of quiet contemplation, I try to forget what it feels like to live in anger. Not because anger doesn’t have its place. Not because we don’t have every fucking right to be angry. No. But because sometimes great sadness needs the space to sink in. I let it take over completely. Get lost in the kind of despair that shakes apart entire families like a bulldozer ready to fuck over sacred land. We don’t understand how land is sacred. We only understand using land and owning land. But land is alive and it gives life to our body and our spirit. It teaches us to have patience and to wait— as we watch and listen to the earth to get nourishment for our body, for our soul and for our community. It carries the history of people and connects us to dimensions of consciousness, places to understand time. But we forget this. We always forget how things arrive.

Congratulations, Television! You Are Even Worse At Masculinity Than Femininity

Click the title for a link to a great NPR article on the ineffective representation of masculinity in television. It mainly critiques a new show, How to Be a Gentleman, that premieres on CBS tonight and literally is about one man training another to be a "real man". I can't think of anything more pertinent to this class!

My Love Hate Relationship With Feminism

Today has been a tough day for me. I have a lot of anger, better explained as rage, directed to men. Before this class I was one of those people that rationalized masculinity and its oppressive nature as "boy will be boys" and "this is how men act". I am not going to go into detail of where most of this anger originated, but to provide some background from the age of 7 i promised myself I would not be "that girl". The images of women I had were very feminine, loving, and strong women but at the same time inferior. From this age I knew I would not have a man dictate how I live my life. I remember the exact day where the seed to this rage was planted and from this day on I became power hungry. I wanted control. I wanted independence. I did not want to be weak therefore I could not be feminine.

Fast forward to the present I have not done so bad for myself. The point I wanted to make is that after taking this class I have become more deeply disgusted with the system/society that has allowed these ideas of masculinity to dominate. I am now concious that instead of rebelling to this gendered image of a female I have done nothing more than attempt to be more masculine. And well we have thoroughly discussed and will continue to discuss how oppressive our American culture has constructed masculinity.

I love this class because I am learning. I love this class because I am becoming more aware. I love this class because it is relevant. I feel priveleged to say that I am receiving the type of college education that many of my peers miss out on. Then again I hate this class because the behavior that I used to excuse is now something I can no longer tolerate. I hate that I can no longer be one of the boys without being disgusted by how many of "my boys" think, speak, live! Days like this I love/hate everything that I have learned. I have a stronger drive to become an activist, but a deeper confusion of who I am or need to be.

Dr. Pepper is Not for Women

Advertising executives sit around all day trying to think of clever ways to get consumers to buy their product. Dr. Pepper TEN should be easy enough. It's Dr. Pepper! With ten calories! Luckily, in America, we love learning new ways to lose weight. Ta-dah! Easy sell, right?

It must be much more complicated than I thought. For you see, Dr. Pepper TEN is not for women. The site doesn't say why. I can only imagine that should a woman take a swig of Dr. Pepper TEN, she'll have sudden desires for motorbikes, wrestling, and beer, and that would ruin everyone's precious sensibilities of masculinity and femininity. On a lark, I'll take a guess that Dr. Pepper TEN plans on advertising itself as a MAN's drink. Since, you know, men and women are the only genders to exist in the lovely binary paradise that is commercials.

If you think that Dr. Pepper TEN can, in fact, be consumed by women, here's some ways to contact customer service.

Telephone: 1-800-696-5891

Online Customer Service Form: http://www.econsumeraffairs.com/am_bev/contactus.htm?F1=drpepper

Also, ladies? Feel free to ride motorbikes, watch wrestling, and drink beer. It's all good.

"Straight White Male" by Andrew Jackson Jihad

Alright guys, I was at a show tonight and one of the bands, Andrew Jackson Jihad, played a song that fit beautifully with a lot of what we talk about in class. I've provided a link to a youtube video of the song if you click the title of this post. The quality isn't great, so if you have a service like spotify that might be a better option. Here are the lyrics (and fyi, there are some swears in case that bothers you):

I am white and I've got everything I need.
No one clutches their purse when they're in a room alone with me
and I can drive through any neighborhood
I please at any hour and the police don't do a thing.

Chorus:
So if I see a penny on the ground,
I leave it alone or fucking flip it.
I'm a straight white male in America.
I've got all the luck I need.

I'm a guy getting paid more than a girl with a degree
and I can walk down the street at night and no one wants to rape me.
And I can get a girl pregnant and just as easily flee.
Just like my straight, white male dad did to me.

(Chorus)

I've got a pile of broken mirrors and I'm walking under ladders
and I'll spill a ton of salt because to me that doesn't matter.
'Cause my skin and my gender and my orientation
are the best things to have when you live in this nation.
I recommend it highly.

(Chorus)

Shit's gonna work out for me.
I'm a straight white male in America.
I've got all the luck I need.

As With Most Men

Click the link to watch Mark Gonzalez's spoken word piece 'As With Most Men'.

Here's a transcript for those that need it:

"As with most men it is easier for me to give hugs than to accept them

Lest the truth be known that men are nothing more than emotional sky-scrapers built with glass infrastructures spray painted the colour of steel and nick named strength

Strange isn’t it?

What walking contradictions are we called men

Men are taught to colonise at the age of 5 through gangs like cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians

At the age of 8 we are given helmets, and told to
hit each other in the head with it, bleed but do not bleed, cut but do not cry, be a man, join the military, die for your country

And if death comes to you look it in the eye and say “bring it on motherfucker I fear nothing…but intimacy”

When it comes to intimacy men quiver like fault lines,
crumble like cities

What walking contradictions are we called men.

Men sign peace accords while abusing their wives, Accept the Nobel Peace Prize while reducing health care, Pledge to rid the world of terrorism while simultaneously denying government aid to any country that defends a woman’s right to choose

During the 1970s, the US government forcibly sterilized an estimated 50% of the indigenous population of America’s mid-west, telling them the process was reversible.

Can you say ‘biological terrorism’?

And in a global war against terror maybe testosterone is the real terrorist

And if so, how many of these star spangled singing,
flag waving citizens would continue to do so if terror was not racialised. But gendered?

Would the US military turns its guns on itself
For its sex crimes throughout South East Asia, Africa and the Americas?

Would MTV be firebombed for its objectification, hypersexualisation of our womens of colour’s bodies?

Would we stop looking towards the Muslim world for misogyny and instead turns our sights to Madrid, Montreal, New York Los Angeles

And now I understand my sisters when they say “every woman has a story that’s been told a maximum of once or maybe less”

And that is why you will never hear me call a women slut, bitch or dyke. No matter what she does. Cuz I do not blame her.

I blame the men who have emotionally and physically raped her. I blame these corporations whose images tell her they hate her. And I put my arms on her shoulder and tell her how grateful I am to God that she created her.

Men take note this is how you give love this is how you receive hugs

Press flesh to flesh ‘til breasts crumple

Like emotional origami."

Are Men Finished?

Found this the other day. You can read the transcript of the debate by clicking on the link at the left (it's in a PDF format). Does anybody else have thoughts on the debate?

Allowing Teenage Boys to Love Their Friends

I found this article on the New York Times website. The article discusses the book "Deep Secrets: Boys' Friendships and the Crisis of Connection" by NYU professor Dr. Niobe Way. The article highlights boys fear for being seen as "too girly" or gay for expressing or feeling attachments to one another. The article also notes boy's lack of expression of vulnerability and how these stereotypes are reinforced in our society- it reminded me a lot of the "Dude, You're a Fag" article we read for class from "Men's Lives". Dr. Way's book is a compilation of 20 years of interviews and reminded me of a format similar to "Men Speak Out". Exciting news is that it is ALREADY being taught at three different schools and required reading for faculty at another- just one step closer to exposing and dismantling patriarchy's harsh effects on men and boys and solving the male crisis.

Hip-Hop has translators!

Just in case you always wanted to know what was really being said during a rap battle, Two guys figured out a way to do so. Funny or stereotypical? You decided.
Hip Hop Translation

Caveman Rationale

In watching the series premiere of the new sitcom, Whitney, I thought it was very interesting to come across this reference to caveman masculinity.  I always thought, after reading the Caveman Masculinity article, that this was something relatively common and very interesting, but I have never noticed it so much in popular culture until now! This man's rationale is seriously flawed, as he implies that men are inherently against monogamy. I do love how Whitney's boyfriend replies to his ignorance, though!

VIEW CLIP HERE

"If cavemen were monogamous, there would only be like six people."

The Short Man Stigma

Thought I'd post this interesting Bitch Magazine article. It discusses the gap in pay for short men when compared to that of taller and average men. It also briefly discusses the social stigma and, often, demasculization of shorter men.

The Role of Hip Hop (Or Lack Thereof) in My Life

Last night in my Theories of Masculinity class, we discussed black masculinity and subsequently discussed the effect of hip hop music on the black community and the world and vice versa. One of the topics brought up was the staggering percentage of white hip hop consumers. As I think about a few of my white friends, I realize how much they utilize rap in their everyday lives. They freely use the word "nigger" in the "rap context." While I am positive they understand the historical context of the word and that they are not attempting to use it in that way, it still agitates me. Why must we continue to use words that have the ability to subjugate a group?

Granted, I have never been a hip hop fan because of the sexist statements that emanate from the music (at least most of the music I have heard). Also, I have and never will be a proponent of the word "nigger" being used by anyone because of the hurtful historical connotations (once again, i am sure that not all of the rappers utilize this term). These reasons have always been my central reasons for trying to ignore the music. However, while I understand that some rappers do express their previous upbringing or lifestyle, their statements perpetuate themselves throughout the global community. The idea that scantily clad women and "bling" are upheld as the ultimate representatives of a man's worth is devastating and sad. It is not a healthy message to perpetuate ONE image of black men and women.

These images of rappers are circulated everywhere from television to video games. In fact, as I watch a couple of friends play a rap karaoke video game that plays the song with the corresponding music video, I am totally disgusted. While many of the words are cut out, the images are still present. Furthermore, it has a "Teen" rating which means that any child could convince his or her parent to buy the game. Beyond that, any child could just go on YouTube and hear the uncut version of the song. This is one of the negatives and positives to the global community we live in. Easy access.

UCF Men Can Stop Rape Facebook Page

Join our NEW Facebook Group!
:o)))

Being Gay in the Hip Hop Community

"To date, there hasn't been a single mainstream rapper to publicly state that he or she is gay or bisexual."


This article talks about coming out as gay within the Hip Hop Community. While it generally reiterates issues we've already spoken about in class, I was particularly glad to see the call on the Hip Hop community to be more receptive to homosexuality. It directly points out that more people would come out and be true to themselves if the community was more receptive and compassionate. It's the responsibility of the community to make a safe safe for people to be themselves... we cannot expect the individual to put themselves in a dangerous situation just for the sake of "coming out."

Bisexual Men Walk Among Us

Shocking, isn't it?

Although a study in 2005 said that there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove the existence of bisexual men, new research has been put forth to suggest that they do, in fact, exist.

It took six years, sure, but it's good to know that science no longer erases the sexual orientation of very real men.

In Marcus C. Tye's essay "Bye-Bye Bi? Bailey, Biphobia, and Girlie-Men", the writer notes the shortcomings of the 2005 study and its media coverage. The media seemed rather keen on shoving the straight-gay binary and completely ignoring the fluidity of sexuality.

Okay, it's 2011, a new study has been released and NYT has published an article that addresses the existence of bisexual men. All good, yes? Perhaps. But the scientific method of gauging one's sexual orientation by how the subject tests' penises react to different types of porn is still limiting.

The president of the Bisexual Resource Center in Boston, Ellyn Ruthstrom, says it best with her quote in the NYT article:

“This unfortunately reduces sexuality and relationships to just sexual stimulation. Researchers want to fit bi attraction into a little box — you have to be exactly the same, attracted to men and women, and you’re bisexual. That’s nonsense. What I love is that people express their bisexuality in so many different ways.”

It's great that bisexual men exist, scientifically speaking. Nonetheless, we still might want to reevaluate how we quantify or measure sexual orientation.

Perhaps in another experiment, we can study the existence of Women's Studies majors. I've already got a great headline: Philosophy, Political Science, or Lying?

My boyfriend shared this with me tonight because he was shocked at how offensive it was. So I thought I'd share it here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUAw2sQozfg


There's quite a few other videos along the same "manbulance" theme. My main thought on this whole advertising strategy is (other than finding it offensive) that I'm confused as to why a company would willingly alienate a huge product base? Are women incapable of eating a slim jim?

Black Stacey; Saul Williams

I'm what you call a "shower performer." I entertain entire Broadway musicals in my bathtub. It's a fucking production--lights, props, curtain call and all. But tonight, instead of my usual line up of whimsical, feel-good, all-the-world-is-candy-and-rainbows line up, I found myself humming along to Black Stacey. Maybe it's all the man-talk lately, but I've definitely been gravitating towards this song for the past couple of days.

I'm a huge fan of Saul Williams. If you haven't seen any of his other work, I highly recommend doing a quick youtube search. I DARE you not to love this man. (Note: It's very difficult, if not entirely impossible)

Lots of ideas regarding masculinity, black-male identity. Best of all, it's a call to action.


(Lyrics)

I used to hump my pillow at night
The type of silent prayer to make myself prepare for the light
Me and my cousin Duce would rank the girls between one and ten
And the highest number got to be my pillow's pretend
Now I apologize to every high ranker
But you taught me how to dream and so I also thank you
I never had the courage to approach you at school
We joked around a lot and I know you thought I dressed cool
But I was just covering up
All the insecurities that came bubbling up
My complexion had me stuck in an emotional rut,
like the time you Flavor Flav'd me and you played me
"Yo Chuck,
They say you're too black, man."
I think I'm too black
Mom, do you think I'm too black? I think I'm too black
I think I'm too black,
I think I'm too black, black, black, black, black

Black Stacey
They called me Black Stacey
I never got to be myself 'cause to myself I always was
Black Stacey
In polka dots and paisley,
A double goose and Bally shoes,
You thought it wouldn't phase me
I was Black Stacey
The preacher's son from Haiti
Who rhymed a lot and always got
The dance steps at the party
I was Black Stacey
You thought it wouldn't faze me, but it did
'Cause I was just a kid

I used to use bleaching creme
'Til Madame CJ Walker walked into my dreams
I dreamt of being white and complimented by you,
But the only shiny black thing that you liked was my shoes
Now, I apologize for bottling up
All the little things you said that warped my head and my gut
Even though I always told you not to brag
About the fact that your great grand mother was raped by her
Slave master

Yeah, I became militant too
So it was clear on every level I was blacker than you
I turned you on to Malcolm X and Assata Shakur
Iin the three quarter elephant goose with the fur
I had the high top fade
Wwith the steps on the side
I had the two finger ring, rag top on the ride
I had the sheep skin, name belt, Lee suit,
Kangol, acid wash, Roscoe's chicken and waffle.

Black Stacey
They called me Black Stacey
I never got to be myself 'cause to myself I always was
Black Stacey
In polka dots and paisley,
A double goose and Bally shoes,
You thought it wouldn't phase me
I was Black Stacey
The preacher's son from Haiti
Who rhymed a lot and always got
The dance steps at the party
I was Black Stacey
You thought it wouldn't faze me, but it did
'Cause I was just a kid


Stick up, ha ha ha stick up
Stick up, ha ha ha stick up
They say I'm too black
They say I'm too black

Hold up, y'all
Here we go

Now here's a little message for you
All you balla playas got some insecurities too
That you could cover up, bling it up
Cash in and ching ching it up
Hope no one will bring it up
Lock it down and string it up

Or you can share your essence with us
'Cause everything about you couldn't be rugged and ruff
And even though you tote a glock and you're hot on the streets
If you dare to share your heart, we'll nod our heads to its beat
And you should do that, if nothing else, to prove that
A player like you could keep it honest and true
Don't mean to call your bluff but
mothafucka that's what I do
You got platinum chain then, son,
I'm probably talking to you
And you can call your gang, your posse and the rest of your crew
And while you're at it, get them addicts and the indigent, too
I plan to have a whole army by the time that I'm through
To load their guns with songs they haven't sung, like,

Black Stacey
They called me Black Stacey
I never got to be myself 'cause to myself I always was
Black Stacey
In polka dots and paisley,
A double goose and Bally shoes,
You thought it wouldn't phase me
I was Black Stacey
The preacher's son from Haiti
Who rhymed a lot and always got
The dance steps at the party
I was Black Stacey
You thought it wouldn't faze me, but it did
'Cause I was just a kid

Black Stacey
They called me Black Stacey
I never got to be myself 'cause to myself I always was
Black Stacey
They call me Black Stacey
Ah, Black Stacey
Ooh, Black Stacey
Ooh, Black Stacey
Move Black Stacey
Shake Black Stacey
Make Black Stacey
Cry, cry
No, not I.

Bronzi di Riaci

Here are the Italian "male ideal" statues referenced in class tonight... Google "bronzi di riaci" for more. I am going to read more about them before commenting but wanted to post the pics I found while we were still thinking about Mr. Perrotte's talk about Italian masculinity (which I would love to hear your thoughts on, by the way).

Surprise--Another Sexist Ad from a Beer Company

Well isn't this lovely? Dr. Santana (Director of Women's Studies at UCF) spoke last week about gender and advertising and brought in several sexist ads for discussion--including this one. I'm linking it to an article which briefly discusses/critiques it, but it reminded me of our discussion about "caveman masculinity" and a comment in tonight's class about colonialist-inspired masculinity. Unfortunately one does not have to look far to find ads as explicitly offensive as this, even--or maybe especially--today. This saddens me not only because I am reminded of how socially acceptable sexism and racism continue to be, but also because I actually enjoy Dos Equis and now I am going to have to stop drinking it. Put your money where your mind is. Write letters. Tell your friends. Be critical consumers.

THE F WORD

A NEW PLAY COMING TO UCF (Hosted by NOW at UCF)

From the director, Krista Amico: 
"After working on The Vagina Monologues for three years, I began to discover that, although Eve Ensler’s fight for women was very successful, the issues faced by today's women now differ from those at time The Vagina Monologues was composed. Written in the 1980’s and primarily focusing on middle-aged women, The Vagina Monologues has made its rounds. It’s time for the younger generation to speak up about current issues; not just women on women's issues, but people on gender issues. Times have changed. Women have come a long way in the fight for equality. But progress has not fully erased issues of sexism and gender bias. Changing times bring changing problems. It’s time to discuss those problems. It’s time to whip out the “no-no-not-at-the-dinner-table” conversations. The F Word is about redefining current women's issues within our college community, about giving everyone a chance to speak out. The purpose of the show is to open up a dialogue about these often unspoken concerns, as well as bring to light the many different programs provided to offer aid for such problems. Just like Eve Ensler, we want to reclaim a word. This time, the word is 'feminist.' We want to hear what you have to say. So spread the word. The F-Word."

SUBMISSIONS

We are looking for any and all commentary pertaining to modern women's issues. If you have something to say on the subject, please tell us, be it an inspiring, life-changing, or downright hilarious story. All perspectives are wanted and welcome: male, female, transgender, straight, bi, and every color of the rainbow. What issues are still relevant today? What is feminism now? What does feminism mean to you? Using these anonymous submissions, our creative team can gather a broader understanding of the outlooks on current women's issues within our university. The stories that you share with us will be used to create a devised play, called The F Word as a reference to the taboo surrounding the word 'feminism.' The show's goal is to reflect contemporary women's issues that occur every day on our campus and in our lives. We want to give the community a voice.

Drop off your stories in the locked boxes located on the first floor of Colbourn Hall 118 or catch up in front of the Student Union on Wednesday with NOW. This is a safe place in which to express yourself freely. There is no need to censor. Your stories will be kept completely anonymous. The locked boxes are picked up every day and your stories go straight to the stage manager and director, after which they will be placed into a submissions file. 

If you would rather email your submission, you can directly email the director: thefwordmovement@gmail.com

THERE WILL ALSO BE ACTING AUDITIONS! CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!

Music and Masculinity

In researching popular culture/music and masculinity for one of next week's readings, I came across an interesting article regarding masculinity in popular music. I just thought I'd share a link to this article, which is interesting and also poses a different perspective about masculinity and music. The author, Cristophe Den Tandte looks also at the idea of the male homosocial within popular music/culture.


The article is titled "From Craft to Corporate Interfacing: Rock Musicianship in the Age of Music Television and Computer-Programmed Music," by Cristophe Den Tandte. You can find this article through the UCF Library Database systems (MLA International Bibliography or JSTOR). Just search the author's name and/or the title of the article. The first one or two sections are about masculinity and music.

Neuroscience: A Connection Between Sex And Gender

In this article scientists look at brain activity and hypothesize that there is a link between an individuals sex and the way they think/act. Their findings support the idea that in parts what we constitute as gender may be biological. Their research is restricted by the use of MRI scanners and PET machines that are immobile. The subjects are then given scenarios and are not taking part in real life events. Continued research would be interesting. How much of what different sexes think is linked to biology and how much is it taught? While reading this I wondered maybe males use different parts of their brains because they are socialized to think a certain way from birth.
What do you think?

Manhood in the Age of Aquarius

Tim Hodgdon explores masculinity in two counterculture hippie-based communities from 1965-1983. I haven't read it all yet but so far it has proven to be very interesting and highly relevant to our course content.

The Role of Men in Religious Terrorism

A Feminist Looks at Masculine Rage and the Haditha Massacre by Kathleen Barry

Pro Wrestler Turns Star Volunteer: Mick Foley Brings Different Voice to Rape Crisis Group - ABC News

Pro Wrestler Turns Star Volunteer: Mick Foley Brings Different Voice to Rape Crisis Group - ABC News

Renaissance Male Project

Jewel Woods, feminist author and noted gender analyst, presents on the intersectionality of gender, race and class, and how identities are formed within complex social systems.

Starting to Define Healthy Masculinity

Starting to Define Healthy Masculinity

by Patrick McGann, Director of Strategy and Planning, Men Can Stop Rape

When I typed in “defining healthy masculinity” to do a Google search, the first link that came up was to “Choosing Healthy Masculinity and What That Means” on the Men Can Stop Rape Web site, and I thought, oh, good, maybe we’ve already defined it. “Healthy masculinity” seems to be a term gaining credence in world of gender-based violence prevention. I use it all the time. We’re all about healthy masculinity, I say. And I mean it. Even if I don’t know exactly what it means.

Joe Samalin (2009), my colleague who wrote “Choosing Healthy Masculinity…” gives examples – it “is a group of high school boys volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter, it is straight and cis-gendered college men partnering as allies with LGBTQ student organizations, and it is the enlisted men and officers in the Air Force who come to us for training on how to create safer workplaces.” But when it comes to defining it, he claims “there is no single definition or ideal of healthy masculinity—there are as many definitions as there are men.” I love Joe; it’s an honor to work with him, but that is a lot of definitions.

So is healthy masculinity a kind of “I know it when I see it” thing? Or is it, “You do your healthy masculinity, I do mine”? Maybe it’s the recovering academic in me, but I’m feeling definition-deficient. Maybe I’m holding onto some grand ivory tower illusion that a definition will help solidify our shared understanding of the term.

I did manage to track down one attempt to define healthy masculinity. Michael Obsatz (2003) takes a stab at it, listing 15 qualities, all of them beginning with P:

1. Purpose

2. Power for and with, not over

3. Passion

4. Paternity

5. Piety

6. Persistence

7. Presence

8. Patience

9. Pardon

10. Partnership

11. Pliability

12. Playfulness

13. Peacemaking

14. Politeness

15. Perspective

He goes onto explain each of the 15 in a sentence or two. While I am a fan of the letter P and while I appreciate his comprehensiveness, I was hoping for a little more compactness. So, I’ll attempt something briefer, with the recognition that it’s very much a definition in progress. Healthy masculinity:

• involves the ability to recognize unhealthy aspects of masculinity – those features that are harmful to the self and others

• replaces risky and violent masculine attitudes and behaviors with empathetic behaviors and attitudes that benefit men and others

• is based on supporting gender equity and other forms of equity

• includes social and emotional skills used to positively challenge in yourself and in others unhealthy masculine attitudes and behaviors

Anyone else out there feel the need to define? If so, indulge your elucidation tendencies and say what you would keep or change about these two definitions of healthy masculinity.

REFERENCES

Obsatz, M. (2003). From shame-based masculinity to holistic masculinity. Retrieved May 12, 2011 from the Anger Resources Web site: http://www.angeresources.com/shamebased.html

Samalin, J. (2009). Choosing healthy masculinity and what that means. Retrieved May 12, 2011 from the Men Can Stop Rape Web site: http://www.mencanstoprape.org/info-url2699/info-url_show.htm?doc_id=1090665

Patrick McGann, Ph.D. has been involved with Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR) since the organization’s inception in 1997. As Director of Strategy and Planning, Patrick co-authored a sexual assault prevention strategy for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in 2008 and oversaw the development of the HURTS ONE. AFFECTS ALL. public education campaign for DoD in 2010. He regularly gives presentations across the country on engaging men in the prevention of gender-based violence.

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Princess Boy

"Princess Boy"--is it just about tolerance or reeducation?

And maybe, just maybe, there needs to be an "attack on masculinity"...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/princess-boy-dyson-kilodavis_n_804133.html

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/living/2011/04/19/drew.princess.boy.hln.html
(forgive the required ad viewing...)

Becoming a Man Program in Chicago

National Public Radio aired a story today about a youth program in Chicago meant to curb gang-related violence. The program, Becoming a Man (BAM), appears to focus on gang-related crime from the perspective of gender, seeking to reduce recruitment of adolescent boys into gangs by underscoring healthier outlooks regarding masculinity.

Interestingly, the article does not heavily focus on the gender details, although one specific section does stand out:

DiVittorio [the program's creator] says the violence in the neighborhood makes one aspect of BAM critical. He calls it "men's work," where students sit in a circle and discuss their feelings — a topic that many consider taboo, he says.

Here is the link to the entire article, and here is some more information about BAM.

Men and Masculinity Conference in Tallahassee, April 1-3, 2011!

The 36th National Conference on Men & Masculinity (M&M), "Breaking Out of the Box: Changing Perspectives & Redefining Masculinity" will address men's perception and misperception around issues concerning consent, rape, and bystander intervention. Please join us at Florida State University, Talahassee, FL, April1-3, 2011, for an exciting conference in support of local initiatives.

The conference programming addresses a broad range of issues and social norms pertaining to men and masculinity and the analysis and prevention of sexual assault.  NOMAS emphasizes the interrelated factors of societal abuse of power and domination in the forms of sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, anti-Semitism, able-bodyism, ageism and other oppressions that influence social inequalities, the construction of gender, and the perpetration of all forms of violence.

Who attends?

• Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Professionals and survivors
• Anti-Trafficking workers
• Campus Professionals
• Public Health Professionals
• Child Abuse Prevention Professionals
• Gender Studies professionals and students
• Sociology, Anthroplogy and Psychology professionals and students
• Therapists and social workers
• Students, Campus, Community, and Youth Organizers
• Male allies to the women's and ending violence movements
• Faith communities working for social justice
• Legal and Justice System professionals
• Activists and all others who are interested examining the intersections of social justice issues (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, race, culture, ability)