response to blog prompt #2

1.) Textbook term: Contradiction - refers to the tensions commonly present in one's communication, identity, relations with others and relations to the larger culture (DeFrancisco and Palczewski, pg 20). 

• What are some contradictory messages and expectations that males hear from our modern-day society? 

            Males is today's society are expected to put on a masculine front in public, though they may act more feminine. Males are supposed to be tough and in charge. Men are expected to be the breadwinners for their families, though that isn't always idealistic.

• Identify whether these occur on individual, interpersonal and/or societal level(s) of communication. Expand on this concept. 

            I think these occur on all levels of communication. The messages men receive on how they should behave from many places; family, friends, the media, significant others, etc. 

2.)  Feminist politics expanded to include the recognition that patriarchy stripped men of certain rights, imposing on them a sexist masculine identity (hooks, pg 68). 

• Identify what you feel are some of the rights that patriarchy takes away from men.

            I feel like patriarchy takes away the right to express emotions from men. If they show their emotions, they are considered to be weak, or at least that's how they think they will be viewed. Society does not find it unnatural to see a woman cry in public, but if a man was crying, it would be considered out of the ordinary.

• Are there privileges that men receive simply because they are born male?

           Men definitely receive privileges simply because they are born male, but so do women. Men are automatically taken more seriously than women. They are assumed to be stronger and maybe even smarter. Historically, white men have always had the right to vote. Men ran this country before women were seen as politically important. In the past, and maybe even today, it is easier for men to have careers. Women are ones expected to stay home and take care of the children. 

3.) hooks writes about the "men's liberation movement" and the men who identified themselves as victims of sexism and worked to liberate men (hooks, pg. 69). 

• What do men need to be liberated from? What would a men's liberation movement look like?

            Men need to be liberated from feeling like they can't express their emotions without ridicule. They need to be able to act in a more feminine way and it not be viewed as abnormal. A men's liberation movement would change the stereotype of what a man should be and how he should act.

• What changes would we see? Have we already experienced some of these changes in our society? 

            Men would become more in-tune with their emotions, and therefore probably create better relationships with those around them. Men could have any job they want, even if it is considered to be a "woman's job." I think some of these changes have already occurred. For example, men are staying home while their wives are more career-oriented. Men are nurses, though it is a stereotypical "woman's job."

• What might an alternative masculinity look like?

           An alternative masculinity would look more feminine and not have the expectations of being tough, free of emotions, and providers.