The Modern Men's Movement
The 1970's saw the intensification of the feminist movement as a social, moral, and
political force in the American arena. They focused their attention on the systematic
oppression of women in politics and business. They were attacking male chauvinism,
dominance, and a social system that relegated females to household duties. By most
standards, the feminist movement has been successful in nearly all of its endeavors. The
result, however, has left the American male uncertain of his own role in not only the
dating arena, but the business, marriage, and society in general. All the things that
once made a man desirable now make him the enemy of the advancement of women. The result
has been a reactionary "Male" movement. Though not as prominent in the media or politics
the feminine counterpart, it has garnered a rather loyal following through the 1980's and
1990's. It focuses not on men's rights, but functions more as a male bonding experience
that educates and enlightens men about their new roles. "Created in the mid 1980's, the
Mythopoetic men's movement emanates from the works of Robert Bly. His view is that the
men's role has lost direction. The men's gatherings are to reconstruct a valid male
initiation and role model."(Schocke)
This male movement has been cautiously encouraged by women's groups. Most realize the
new pressures being exerted on men by the changes in society and recognize a male
movement as a means to finding the new balance.
"I believe that 'we', I.e. men and women, need a "men's movement" in the sense of men
that have come to understand the evils of patriarchy ... These are men who are prepared
to work in harmony with women to create a new society liberated from patriarchy." (Hagan,
14)
Women want and need the men's movement as bad or worse then men do. The entire point of
the feminist movement is to change men. Though not overtly stated as such, the promotion
of women must occur in men's thoughts to happen in a society initially run by men. They
must encourage men to not only bond with each other, but to reconstruct their mindset in
a way more appropriate to the new social structure.
That is exactly the point of the men's movement. It is important here to distinguish
between different factions of the men's movement. There are more than a few, but most
fall into one of two categories. The smaller, less important group deals with their
frustration in a non-directed physical bonding manner. They have gone so far as to assume
initiation and celebration rituals similar to those of Native American culture. The
larger group, including feminists and male liberationists, believe in feminization of the
male character.
"Masculinity distorts an individual's nature. It puts him out of touch with his
emotions. Men do not cry. They do not touch each other. They do not form real
friendships. They are too silent. They are aggressive, achievement oriented,
competitive bullies." (Stearns, 179)
Stearns goes on to assert that by assuming more feminine emotional and social traits that
allow more healthy relationships.
The problems with male-hood have not arisen as a result of men's complacency, but the
sudden rapid change in the status of women. "Men may be less responsible for female
dissatisfaction than women's inability to find the family an adequate substitute for
traditional child bearing." (Stearn, 163) Suddenly, in the last decade, the role of the
man has become uncertain. In the 1950's and 60's, men were the breadwinners. A man
brought to the marriage the capability of support. The woman brought to the marriage the
home and children. Now, the women also bring in the money and the man has become an
optional part of the family. Women can now become successful on their own and children
become a burden. The man ends up wanting the family more than the woman, and must give up
power to have it. When man loses his worth to the relationship, he loses the power and
his traditional role also.
This shift in power also allows women more room to criticize qualities that have
previously gone unnoticed.
"To old complaints about male brutality or insufficient attention were added new ones...
More recently women have become freer to criticize male lack of emotional sharing and
sexual incompatibility." (Stearn, 163)
Most feminists recognize that the male movement is a response to their changing wants and
needs. Most men, likewise, recognize that a change in their own behavior is needed to
promote the social well-being of both sexes.
The television media today is but a single example of many institutions striving to
embrace the goals of the men's movement. One television show comes to mind immediately.
Home Improvement, and Tim (the toolman) Taylor personify the male striving to embrace the
new order. Every episode features a man trying shed his male, grunting, belching,
insensitive past. No watcher of 1990's sitcoms is unfamiliar with the patented Tim Allen
grunt. His goal in life seems to be to keep his wife and kids happy without giving up his
tools. That is what the men's movement seems to be about, letting men be happy, keep
their family, and their toys, tools, or whatever it is they cherish.
There are several questions that need to be asked when the idea of changing either of
the sexes arises, however. Why are we trying to change the traits that have evolved in
man over the last thousand years? Further, there are certain traits in the male psyche
that are genetically based. Are we striving to change those traits or suppressing them?
We cannot change the genetic code that makes a man. The expression of those traits can
not be altered, just hidden.
Today's society strives to hide or change personal features to fit self perception as
well as a wanted public image. People change hair color, eye color, and now, even
physical sexual characteristics to fit the way they want society to see them. Is the new
men's movement just a reflection of this trend? Men have been bashed through the 1970's
and 1980's. As a result, men started wanting to change their public image, lest they
become referred to as Neanderthals. The resultant movement may be seeking to give the
male species a 'facelift'.
|