Sunday 24 January 2016

Men, better than women?


A deliberately provocative question. My answer and I'd hope most peoples would be a big fat "NO"!

"...a big part of our reluctance to feminise boys is about power and the systematic devaluation of women."

However this article called “The subconscious bias of 'unisex' baby name trends” by Kasey Edwards explores a little more about the issues and manifestations of the negativity of femininity in our culture, even if many are subconscious.

"...the reality is that this one-way naming trend is an expression of our casual and unexamined misogyny."

Whilst Kasey's article focuses on historical naming practices she goes on to mention similar trends in regard to toys and clothing and how this seems a 'one-way' street. Women can adopt the traits of men, but rarely ever the other way around.

"Why is it that only girls are permitted to enter the playground of gender fluidity? Might it be because, despite all our talk about gender equality, we still believe deep down that the worst thing a boy could be is like a girl?"

Her conclusions are very much where I was when I wrote my more fumbling post "Like a Girl" on the same issue, back in 2014...

If we believe in real freedom then we should all aspire to a fairer world for all women and men - and everyone in between. If we can't make a choice then there is no freedom. Let us not unconsciously propagate and unbalanced past and make sure it is a gender balanced world. And not like this old tie advert!






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