“Both men and women experience pressure to conform to social standards of attractiveness. Men to look strong and be tough, women to look pretty and soft. Men to be masculine, women to be feminine. Men get judged for being “too feminine,” women get criticized for being “too masculine.” Gender policing affects us all.”
― Miya Yamanouchi, Embrace Your Sexual Self: A Practical Guide for Women
- What pressure do you think there is for men and women to conform to social standards?
- Do you think men are judged for being to feminine?
- Why or why not?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
Better yet, tell us a story and submit it for publication using the link below.
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Photo/SplitShire
If human history proved strength and toughness to be the qualities which clearly produce a universally serving world which works for all, I’d only too-easily understand and promote their imperative place in our evolving collective consciousness still. But that is hardly the world those qualities have birthed since the dawn of man. Not just not close, or not yet; nearer the polar opposite. Driven by divisive, destructive fear rather than a vision of vastly wider human possibility, we continue above all to cling to the coveted ability to force the will of “us” over the will of the “other”. Rather… Read more »
I look at my Good Men Project tee shirt hanging in my closet. I got the one with the slogan,”I ‘m about to reveal all, I write for the Good Men Project.” When I write, it can be an act of self revelation. When I submit such writing for possible public view, I feel tough and strong because the Good Men Project has put pressure on me to conform to the social standards of their brand. I want to feel weak and afraid about what others might think of me and keep my words to myself, but sometimes I give… Read more »
Thanks for sharing, David. I agree that writing is cathartic. Writing helps us reveal and process emotions we may not even know we have. I came across a meme last night that said, “You write so beautifully … the inside of your mind must be a terrible place.” I can certainly relate to that. Sometimes the pieces I write (not necessarily for The Good Men Project) are dark, because I’ve been in some dark places. However, when I share them a couple of things happen. 1. I feel better having processed the emotions, and 2. Other people feel better because… Read more »