Attributes of Manhood

[Flubber]

Originally posted by Kidicious


We aren't talking about definitions. We are talking about societal pressures to conform.

Where was anyone talking about societal pressures to conform ?

[Az]

IMHO "being a man" is defined on one's achievements in all matters concerned with one's gender, and acts of behavior versus the opposite sex ( sorry, gay people, slightly oversimplifying here ) . The rest isn't manliness. I expect and admire courage, strengtrh of spirit, integrity, thoughtfulness, consideration of others, optimism, realism, a healthy dose of ambition equally in men and women.

[Lorizael]

Originally posted by Sava
What a stupid post.

I don't feel like quoting your whole rant, so I'll just go with this. I have a vaguely similar opinion to Kid's, but I agree with your point that different does not necessarily mean not equal.

Anyways, now to disagree with you.

I have a problem with the glorification of manhood and womanhood and all sorts of other hoods because it is a reinforcement of gender stereotypes.

I have no problem with men aspiring to a goal they perceive to be manly, but I do have a problem with them being raised in such a way as to never realize that they could do something other than what is manly. Or more commonly, men are raised to believe that unmanly things are bad, and because of this self esteem issues can arise when they don't do what they believe to be the right (manly) thing.

I think rigid alignment to these stereotypes prevents free thought, free choice, and progress in general. I don't think it's necessarily sexist with a negative connotation, but I do think it would be better for society as a whole if children were raised with the idea that they can actually be anything, and that they are not confined to certain roles.

If after such an upbringing a man decides to act manly, awesome; if a woman womanly, great. But they should be given the choice. It should not be assumed at birth that a man should follow the manly way, and a woman the womanly way.

[Dis]

Originally posted by Kidicious

According to society he is not a man.


All people are different, not just men and women. People should be themselves, not what society pressures them into being.

bull****, you are talking about society 50 years ago.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Flubber
Where was anyone talking about societal pressures to conform ?

That's what you do when you start telling people what it means to be a man. It's the same way when you tell someone what it means to be an American or a ________ (whatever).

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Dis


bull****, you are talking about society 50 years ago.

You're a victim of the high school US History textbook.

[Dis]

more accurate than left wing communist propaganda.