Quote:
Originally Posted by caleb72
I could extrapolate this to be talking about perceptions of masculinity vs femininity and even how that can impact perceptions of same sex relationships. In some ways I think the expectation for men to be masculine can be even more restrictive than the expectation for a woman to be feminine. In any case, this is what I took from my reading and one of the reasons the book resonated so strongly with me.
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"I think the expectation for men to be masculine can be even more restrictive than the expectation for a woman to be feminine."
I can see your point but disagree respectfully on the particulars.
I'd agree with you wholeheartedly if you put it this way: "I think the expectation for men to be masculine can be almost as restrictive in the case of straight men and as restrictive -- sometimes even tragically -- in the case of gay and transgendered men."
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I'm also thankful for your civility in discussing this with me. I've had similar conversations in which the other party said things like, "Stop trying to score points with women" and "stop white-knighting."
One makes this argument because it rings true and not to score points with imaginary listeners. One either believes in feminism or one doesn't, and I've believed in it for a lifetime.
Besides which, a lot of women don't consider themselves feminists, so they're hardly inclined to see me as a white knight, and those who do certainly don't need me to stick up for them.
These are thoughts I'd share with any friend who asked.