#thinking about socialisation in the sex class hierarchy where men systemically have power over women

[rad4learning]

Bigger problem here is that the goal is still to “not be less of a man”. There is no non-toxic redefining of masculinity for men because there is no neutral way to have one class of people whose role it is to wield authority and another class whose role it is to act as support.

There are plenty of “sensitive” men who are sensitive to their emotions without being compassionate towards others’ emotions. Who take the freedom of more visible emotional lability while also still assuming a masculine prerogative to get their own way.

Even the “protector” role of masculinity encourages a mindset of having power over her and restricting her actions - all for her sake of course - but he is the decision maker over her.

Don’t worry boys - you can still have the authoritative “man” role - and now we will have fewer expectations on how you regulate your behaviour to be seen as an authority source!

“in order to create loving males we need to love males” means teach boys that they can be themselves without being less of a man. it means being encouraging and nurturing of their emotions so they don’t become cold and hateful. it means showing boys, early in their lives, that they have value outside of what our society deems proper masculinity. what it doesn’t mean is that it’s our job to handhold men who see women as walking sex toys through the concept of empathy, and maybe if we’re really really nice to them and don’t say things that hurt their feelings they’ll stop killing us for saying no