We've blogged about the Masculinist Coalition already. Its president Dashiell Driscoll wants to create a "celebration of man."
Now we must blog about bromance and Pitzer College.
According to Peter Nardi, a sociologist at Pitzer College who specializes in male friendships, all these phrases are safer than they used to be because men are less afraid of being perceived as gay. It has become more acceptable for them to show some emotion. Al Gore and Bill Clinton hugged when they won the 1992 election and sports figures cry on camera when they're busted for steroids, Nardi pointed out.Is it just a coincidence? A Pitzer student wants a club to celebrate manliness and a Pitzer professor writes about the social acceptability of homosexuality?
Are the blogging gods trying to tell us something?
Don't know, don't know.
11 comments:
Dude, the Masculinist Coalition is sexist and homophobic. That has nothing to do with bromance.
I'm not sure I understand your post Charles...perhaps it it is to say that the Masculinist Coalition would be more accepted if they quoted Pitzer professors in support of their endeavors?
Pitzer student,
Those are big word -- sexist and homophobic. I don't know about their use. I think it's kind of unfair to label someone.
David,
I think they ought to consider inviting the Pitzer professor as a distinguished speaker. He could take them all to Philadelphia-- the City of Brotherly love.
The Masculinist coalition has sought to label all heterosexual men as enjoying: drinking beer, attending strip clubs, watching sports, and playing video games. Something tells me that this description wouldn't really apply to you, Charles - I guess by the Masculinist Coalition's definition, you aren't really a man.
Daschiell has attempted pass this essentialist conception of what being masculine is as the true definition of manhood, which is why so many people are protesting his group. Its exclusionary and homophobic (Gays aren't really men if they don't enjoy these things).
If Daschiell wanted to have a "Beer, sports, and video games" club that threw parties, sports watching events, and video game contests on Pitzer's dollar, he could go right ahead and do so with my full support. That he is trying to pass these activities of as inherently a part of manhood is what I have beef with.
Also, the fact that they need to join/found a club to prove their manliness should tell you something about how secure they are in their masculinity. I highly doubt they'd be all that receptive to "bromance", lest they be perceived as homosexual.
1) You are absolutely right that I wouldn't be classified as "manly" by the Masculinist group, but that really isn't the point. If I don't like the club they have set up, I'm free to create my own.
But by the same token, don't the Feminist Coalition try to pass a narrow definition of what constitutes a good woman?
I actually feel as if the club that he is trying to establish is more "frat boy" lite and more akin to stuff boys do than what men do. Nevertheless, they have a right to call themselves whatever they want.
The Feminist Coalition absolutely does not try to propagate a narrow view of what makes a good woman. Feminism is about transcending society's traditionally narrow view of femininity and what makes a good woman. That's why the parallel between the MC and the FC doesn't work.
So says you.
For the rest of us who don't want to go to parties in rooms that have been dressed up as vaginas or have masturbation seminars, there seems to be little alternative.
You're skirting the issue (forgive the pun).
The MC says that real men drink beer, watch sports, grunt a lot, whatever etc. etc.
What narrow version of femininity/womanhood does either the FemCo, or even a vagina party, promote? I'd say associating vaginas with women is pretty inclusive. And the alternative to attending a vagina party, or anything else, is to NOT attend.
It's funny how people speak and act like they truly do believe in free thought and free speech, but once their personal and moral views are challenged they show how close minded they really are. If you honestly believe that the MC is homophobic or that they really promote/advocate negative views then you need to look in the mirror. They invite women and men, being gay or straight have no barring on your admittance. They do promote what the "MAJORITY" of men perceive to be "Manly" activities. Most men enjoy drinking and watching sports and looking at women. Why else was the "Man Show" on Comedy Central was such a huge and popular success? Would you like it better if they threw a party in a room fashioned as a penis, with penis's everywhere? Or would that be sexist and be suggesting we eliminate all vaginas? Maybe a "Male Masturbation" seminar would be something you'd like to attend? Sure doesn’t sound very appealing. Being a woman would make it hard to understand this extremely important underlying fact. Just like men don't understand many aspects of a woman’s life. Do your best to be more open minded, knocking other peoples views only because you don't like it, not because its hurting people, only makes you and your cause seem less appealing to the world. Let people enjoy life. This country was founded and started because people wanted to get away from suppressive and controlling ideas and government. I could write 10 pages on this topic and it would have no effect on someone with tunnel vision, they already see what they want to believe.
Has anyone listened to, "the celebration of man"?
myspace.com/thecelebrationofman
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