tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211529354680229185.post8936825426784957442..comments2023-09-24T04:57:04.216-07:00Comments on Backsass: Backsassin' a FeministConnie Wardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275270830868170850noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4211529354680229185.post-46894690024609290312012-07-18T23:36:26.248-07:002012-07-18T23:36:26.248-07:00Southern manhood isn't necessarily an antithes...Southern manhood isn't necessarily an antithesis of feminism, in my opinion.<br /><br />Barring an extreme minority, feminists don't "hate" men, and no one is trying to paint them all as rapists. Quite the opposite, most of the college workshops (at least, all the one's I've been involved with) agree that most men are good man, urging to join together against the micro-minority that commits sexual violence.<br /><br />Our concern is with "bystander culture," which allows "normal nice guys" to ignore signs of abuse, or excuse sexist behavior. Rape culture reffers the the culture of masculine power, domination, competition and men acting like jerks. What feminists define as 'rape culture' is exactly what Southern mothers raised their boys NOT to be.<br /><br />Patrick Swayze played some roles (including Confederate Orry Maine in North and South), which in my opinion demonstrated correct manhood. Being strong enough to address violent/confrontational situations when it is necessary, but being courteous and genteel up to the very moment when you have no other choice. Have you seen North and South? Orry was a powerful, Southern man but did not often exhibit the rage, agression, competition and senseless brutality that defines "rape culture." He not too tough to cry or express love. Despite some flaws (he did get drunk and slap his sister once), the Orry Main character demonstrated how a man can control himself, be gentle and humble yet be a fierce warrior at the same time.<br /><br />An example of "rape culture" men would be professional wrestlers. They tend to exhibit extreme muscles, bizzare appearance and hyper-masculine attitudes that glorify violence. Sometimes they are demeaning to women (who are often paraded around as eye-candy in bikinis). It's all fun and games, with no "real" violence. But it still fosters a culture where little boys are taught to talk smack and fight it out.<br /><br />Gangsta rappers are another example, with their violent lyrics, drug refferences, glorifying "pimps" and slamming "hoes." It's a disgusting, and very much against the traditional family values. Rappers and wrestlers couldn't be any further from the old Southern ideals of manhood.<br /><br />We're not against men being strong, but simply telling them that they don't have to adhere to one narrow view of manhood, especially if it's a violent or harmful view.<br /><br />There are some good causes within feminism, and not EVERYONE involved with feminism is against men or hating fathers. Some of them (myself included) do not support abortion. There is a lot of variety.S. Foresterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11750761961138208874noreply@blogger.com