the modern mens movement

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'.