We Should Reject Traditional
Masculinity
Article by Cooper Thompson
Presentation by Carleen Sanders
Outline
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Introduction
– Outline
– Question
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The article
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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?”
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Girls: positive response. Less victimization,
“increased independence and career
opportunities….”
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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

Old image: temporary,
“… based on
dominance and control
acquired through the
humiliation of others”
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New image:
permanent, woman
and lion. Force is not
involved.
Learning Violence

Homophobia: the hate and
fear of gayness.
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Combined: the hatred of feminine qualities
Misogyny: the hate of
woman
The cost of Masculinity
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Boys “should be tough (aggressive, competitive,
and daring)” – causes pain and insecurity in a boys
life
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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.”
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Schools should be a
place for boys to learn
the more feminine
qualities –
“nurturance, nonviolent conflict
resolution, and
strategies for
empathizing with and
empowering others.”
Boys will be Boys
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“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.