It is embarrassing and acutely dangerous to possess a alarmingly limited mindset.
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As a professor and speaker whose work examines the issues of masculinity particularly manhood in the plural sense, I am all too willing to participate in engaging and passionate conversations with individuals from all walks of life who are eager to do so.
Such conversations are not solely confined to the college classroom. Academic conferences, coffeehouses, restaurants, bars are just a few of the venues where I have bandied on in thoughtful and spirited conversation with others of varied genders, races, ages, religions, and cultures. The conversations could be described in many ways but one thing is for certain – they were/are far from boring! Intense and provocative discussions aside, the fact (often frustrating ) is when it comes to race and masculinity, the conversation often seems to take a more myopic and predictable direction.
Rather than attempt to engage in an original or analytical approach, many people tend to rely on previously held assumptions that they have internalized through media, social and other various cultural spaces. It reminds me of the saying “old habits die hard.” While such a belief holds such credence, in the case of men and race, such a mindset is almost entirely indisputable. In routine discussion groups where the issue of men and ethnic stereotypes were discussed, the following groups of men were always labeled with the following traits:
White men:
- Entitled
- Hypocritical
- Exploitative
- Manipulative
- Greedy
- Boring
- Socially Awkward
Black Men:
- Confrontational
- Well Endowed
- Lazy
- Sexually Virile
- Athletic
- Players
- Absent Fathers
- Criminally Inclined
Asian Men:
- Nerdy
- Introverted
- Unsexy
- Small Genitalia
- Effeminate
- Academically Gifted
Latino Men:
- Sexist
- Uneducated
- Lazy
- Violent
- Homophobic
- Wife Beaters
- Bilingual
Arab Men:
- Mysterious
- Cunning
- Potentially Violent
- Wealthy
- Unpredictable
- Temperamental
Gay Men:
- Sassy
- Flamboyant
- Promiscuous
- Fashion Conscious
- Anti-Serious Relationships
- Dysfunctional
- Possible Pedophiles
Men in General:
- Slovenly in many cases
- Sports fanatics
- Have no fashion sense (save for Gay Men)
- Always ready for sex
- Afraid of Commitment
- Emotionally Distant
- Adventurous
- Terrible Communicators
- Largely Misogynistic
- Arrogant…
…just to name a few.
Needless to say, these are stereotypes and are hardly based in reality. Nonetheless, for far too long many individuals have largely latched on to such retrograde beliefs. Such pernicious myths have successfully melted and forged themselves in the psyche of more than a few people transcending racial, gender, economic, cultural and other segments of our society. Such ideas have managed to firmly etch themselves in the mindset of the larger culture. Just keeping it real.
To be sure, there are many (likely a notable segment) of human beings who have refused to allow themselves to fall victim to such deeply pernicious and misguided mindset that is deeply steeped in perversely racist, sexist, homophobic, and to a large extent, xenophobic attitudes. Good for them and if this is the category where you fall, good for you as well! For those of you who are inclined to fall victim to historical and cultural myths by subscribing to such a old, antiquated and outmoded draconian mindset, rather than provide a pensive, lengthy sophisticated analysis on how you should combat such attitudes, I will spare you such commentary and cut to the chase and give it to you straight without pulling any punches.
- SHAME ON YOU!
- GROW UP!
- EDUCATE YOURSELF!
- GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONES!
- EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE ACROSS RACIAL LINES!
- FREE YOUR MIND!
- DON’T BE SO SHALLOW!
It is embarrassing and acutely dangerous to possess such a alarmingly limited mindset. Moreover, it is a perversely disturbing form of intellectual laziness. If you fall into this category the first thing you need to do is yo start with changing yourself! There is no excuse for such ignorance. You should know better! Move into the 21st century! Now! Period!
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Photo Credit: Getty Images
Love the article because it’s not very often that I agree with virtually everything that’s written. GREAT job.
One side of the coin is that men shouldn’t accept any of these stereotypes but the other side of the coin is that they continue to be pushed. We need to continue to push back and as tiring as it is, continue to call out those who perpetuate them.
Thanks. Agreed!
Elwood Watson, Ph.D.
Author of article
Agree, Tom.
There is only one sub-group here: Men.
Once we understand that, we will understand a great many things, and be in a position to undo most of them.
Well, I want our own category for Italian Americans. We have that whole mafioso thing going on. It’s worthy of some hate for us, no?
You’ve been hitting the bulls eye every time. It’s nonsense, and it is shameful. How one can allow such manipulation of both mind and emotion while still calling themselves men is beyond me.
Personally, I like your style…and “Dr. Watson” is about the coolest Ph.D. name ever.
Thank you D.J,
Appreciate your support.
Elwood Watson, Ph.D.
Author of article