I saw this on r/MensRights where a poster said that a book about toxic masculinity had recently been added to his school's library. It's part of series of books meant to educate students about social issues. Other topics covered are things like drug use, conservation, nuclear energy, and volunteering.
And apparently they thought "the male problem" was serious enough to be added to their roster.
Title: Masculinity and Male Identity
Description:
The status quo of gender-based inequality and discrimination in our society perpetuates the notion that we live in “a man’s world”. Traditional masculine stereotypes persist in a culture which identifies men as self-reliant, emotionally reticent, focused on work over family, and oversexed. When these beliefs are taken to extreme levels by boys and men, they result in poor relationships, mental health problems and risky behaviours. Rethinking masculinity can help men and boys to move away from narrow masculine ideals and negative role models towards healthier, more diverse approaches to male identity.
This book explores what it means to be a “a real man” in Australia, questioning the masculine stereotypes which sustain gender inequality. In addition, the book examines “toxic masculinity”, traditional male gender roles, misogyny and attitudes which promote violence and disrespect towards women. It also addresses the impacts of traditional masculine norms on men’s health and wellbeing. What does it mean to be a man in a changing world – is there really a crisis in masculinity? How can society – and boys and men as individuals – encourage positive, healthier masculinities?
Publisher's website: https://spinneypress.com.au/product/masculinity-and-male-identity/
Obviously it seems very patronizing to men and I wonder if something similar would ever be tolerated if it was targeted against women.
Imagine a book with this kind of description, for example:
The status quo of gender-based inequality and discrimination in our society perpetuates the notion that we live in a "feminine society". Traditional feminine stereotypes persist in a culture which identifies women as nurturing, emotionally unstable, focused on home life over productive endeavors, and oversensitive. When these beliefs are taken to extreme levels by girls and women, they result in poor relationships, mental health problems and codependent behaviours. Rethinking femininity can help women and girls to move away from narrow feminine ideals and negative role models towards healthier, more diverse approaches to female identity.
This book explores what it means to be a woman in Australia, questioning the feminine stereotypes which sustain gender inequality. In addition, the book examines “toxic femininity”, traditional female gender roles, misandry and attitudes which promote the manipulation and exploitation of men. It also addresses the impacts of traditional feminine norms on women's health and wellbeing. What does it mean to be a woman in a changing world – is there really a crisis in femininity? How can society – and girls and women as individuals – encourage positive, healthier femininities?
It would probably be called out as offensive or sexist, right? So why aren't we condemning this kind of thing when it happens in reverse?
This kind of rhetoric normalizes the very thing that they're trying to "fix". And while I imagine it will open the eyes of a few students to gender issues, they might come away from this book with a very different conclusion than the one that is being presented.
For example, if women are being discriminated against, where is the message that women are evil and need to be "fixed"? It is only ever men who are the targets of that kind of harassment. It is part of a widespread, institutionalized message of hatred and bigotry that should be obvious to anyone who sees it. And it's been accepted by the school system with open arms.
There is a long history of schools treating boys as if they were defective girls, and punishing them for not conforming to feminine ideals. And it's lead to generations of men being left behind by an increasingly anti-male society.
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