I have to read this book for one of my classes called Guyland. Anybody heard of it or read it? Anyway, it seems like the author, Michael Kimmel, is implying (not necessarily blaming) that the civil rights and feminist movements have caused young men (the age range he uses is 16-26) to be apathetic and indifferent. He's also implying that because women have assimilated into previously male-dominated fields - like the military, sports, law, higher education, etc. - that extreme masculinity is being pressed upon young men as the ultimate goal. Basically, men are retreating into their own worlds of violent video games, degrading pornography, and sports fantasies to find a place to be "men" away from women. I think he's also suggesting that the reason why men in this age range are so indifferent and apathetic about their lives is 1. they don't want the boring lives of their fathers and grandfathers and 2. being a white male is no longer a privilaged status. Generations ago who were lawyers, doctors, politicians, and college professors? White men mostly. But now white men are not just competing with other white men - they have to compete with men and women of other races. It's entirely possible for an African-American or a woman to be president, be your surgeon, your lawyer, or write the history books. So, what do you all think? Think there is some truth to this?
This seems fairly far fetched to me. As a white male aged 16-24, i've never felt defeated by the idea of competing with women and racial minorities. I don't really see the trend that you mention with a rise in violent video games and pornography. In the grand scheme of human history, video games are very new. This makes them a target to point out how violent today's society is. But it's no worse than it used to be. If you've ever read any of the horror comics from pre WW2, you would see some stuff that is easily as disturbing as the Saw movies, more so probably because the image is on the page for a prolonged period of time, it doesn't merely flash by you. As another example, read Titus Andronicus, and then say that there is a rise in the violence of the mass media. On the topic of my age group not caring about thier lives, I also don't think that is true. Most people i meet are excited to be going to school and planning thier future. I would think they are a bit less apathetic then some people from the 1930's who had no access to a college education. just my two cents.
I think that men do have to escape into guyland to an extent but not necessarily because of feminism. the video games and pornography is aside everything cuz that woulda came anyway. i think it's because the factors of testosterone in everyday life has been hindered, for example peace. that may sound absurd but when someone is given more and more testosterone, they become generally more hostile and competitive. Another thing to add to that is our foods we eat. i read somewhere how soybeans have a certain nutrient or chemical that leads to more estrogen increase. Little stuff like that can add up, and when we value masculinity, we'll follow it. as for the struggle of worth from race/gender liberation and such, i think thats just a physic of change.
This is my experience as well, although not personal. Since I am a woman, I can't say exactly what it feels like to be a white male. But almost all of my friends are and they don't feel apathetic or any of that. And I totally agree about Titus Andronicus!
You women must understand that you have very small brains about three times the size of a squirrels brain, and men have much larger brains. You are all also about 50% less intelligent because you are more right brained thinker than left. This is why I own a business (as a man) and why you make soaps. You should stop reading so I can buy you things.
i sorta consider these points of change to be a "boohoo, get over it" situation. so they have to evolve. i love my brothers, but they're not helpless victims and my mom would bitchslap any one of us for thinking so for even a moment. now situations where they are being victimized, marginalized and told to quit whining, well, that's different. but having to compete for the same things everyone else has to compete for is nothing to cry about.
