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September 1, 2006
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

Men Got it Good

     As a Marxist Feminist (one who is dedicated to gender equality), I believe that it is due time to write about the male side of the gender coin. Men, though more privileged than women in many ways, are also confronted with gender inequalities, and the subject should not be dismissed.
 
     Society does not take notice of this unfortunate reality, based upon the notion that men have it good in comparison to women. In many regards this is true, but it is important for the sake of equality to respect the fact that the gender gap needs to be closed from all directions.

     Men suffer from social pressures and stigmas, too.

     It is not fair that women are sometimes criticized for not staying at home with their children, but at the same time, men are criticized for not being the breadwinners of the family. This difference isn’t as obvious as it was in the 1950’s, but it does continue to be a veiled reality. It is still of social importance, for instance, for heterosexual women to place value on a man’s profession when looking for a partner. And in many instances what “makes a man” is his job. This perspective is not gender bias, rather a cultural bias.

    Men also get the stigma of being sexually deviant compared to women, and statistics unfortunately prove this fact. However, all men have to carry this burden based on a small minority of the male population.

     I had a friend who once wrote a poetry piece about how men have committed violent acts against women throughout history. After she told me about this (in her proud “all men are evil” tone) I noted that yes, it is a sad history and modern day phenomena, but suggested that she should also write about women’s stigma of vindictiveness. She retorted, “but men are the abusers!” To which I replied, “women will boil your bunny!”

     I wasn’t trying to stick up for men, just pointing out that showing only one side is unfair.

     Men also get the bad rap for being pedophiles statistics prove that men indeed commit these crimes more often than women do. It is sad, though, that men get glares for talking to kids in public places.

     I recall a story a few years ago when a woman called the police because she spotted a strange looking man following a young boy into the woods. As it turned out, it was a father going for a walk with his son. Some of my male friends say that they feel uncomfortable talking to children based on the fact that there is a strong social stigma against that.

     Yes, a woman of child rearing age is sometimes denied better job positions because she might get knocked up and be forced to take leave. But men can’t always smile at cute little two-year-old children without expecting a look of disapproval form some adult.

     The male side of the gender coin might win in the overall social and economic categories, but the injustices against men are also a reality that furthers gender stratification. Personally, I believe in equality.

     Do you?

 

   



      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.
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in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.