Posted on 04/21/2005 11:30:56 AM PDT by pissant
#1. Recognize that men's and women's views of each other and of themselves have been shaped by sexist conditioning in our society.
#2. Understand that these sexist views will persist and cloud both sexes' thinking about both men and women.
#3. Always remember the true nature of ALL women and ALL men: strong, loving, intelligent, zestful, cooperative, assertive, confident and tender. If you can't see everyone that way then it is due to the sexist conditioning (and other hurts) placed upon you. If you had never received this conditioning, then you could easily see everyone's inherent nature all the time. If any person never received any type of conditioning, then they would always act on these inherent qualities all the time.
#4. Educate yourself on the ways that women have been oppressed. Ask the women in your life what the sexism is like in their life. It is important for women to get to talk about it with you and important for you to hear the hardships of being a woman in this society.
#5. Share the work that has traditionally been considered "women's work". This is largely unpaid work and is not considered as important as "men's work".
#6. Challenge the notion to both men and women that boys are by nature aggressive and violent. Stand firm that it is only hard conditioning that makes anyone act this way. Stand firm that boys are just like girls with the whole range of emotions, compassion, and need for tenderness.
#7. Eliminate homophobia (the fear of being close to someone of the same gender as oneself) with the men in your life. Homophobia perpetuates confusion that closeness and sex are the same thing (they are not the same). It prevents men from having close relationships with each other. Taking turns listening to each other about the hardships we've had being men is a great step in starting closer friendships. Go meet lots of men!
#8. Encourage men (including yourself) to feel and express all natural feelings. Men's largest conditioning comes from being forced to act like we have no feelings (e.g. "Big boys don't cry", "You're acting like a girl/sissy"). This conditioning is what eventually makes men take on all of the inhuman roles we are expected to play in society.
#9. Support women's leadership. One crucial area to eliminating sexism is challenging the notion that men are natural leaders and women are natural followers. This can be confusing for men. But considering all the sexist stereotypes we've been taught about women, this is understandable. That is why remembering women's inherent nature (see #3) and taking turns listening with other men about how we've been conditioned is so important in moving forward and supporting women's leadership.
#10. Model non-sexist behavior everywhere. Tell and show men and women that eliminating sexism is a primary focus in your life. The presence of sexism in society is hurtful to everyone, not just women. It's elimination will enhance every human being's life.
Men Against Racism & Sexism - E-MAIL: mars@ccsi.com - Phone-Fax: 512-326--9686
Go get me a beer...
Then watch her dump you for "Skull", the guy she met at the biker bar.
Good God, I still can't decipher what that line was all about!
Reminds me of the old line, paraphrased here as my memory isn't very good -
'You have to show you are sincere. If you can fake that you have it made.'
That command works well in my house. Especially if followed by a big burp!
I'll tell you what it is like.
It's cool. I get free stuff, for no other reason than I am a chic.
I was thinking fruity umbrella drinks.
(sound of a slap) SHUT UP, B**CH! NOW GO FIX ME A TURKEY POT PIE!
"Woman, get me a beer, and don't block the TV."
and you get to stay home with some adorable kids. Can't beat that!
it's interesting the reactions i get from women.
for example, i went into our public library for months. this woman never looked at me.
one day i check out 2 books on software, and she lights up like a xmas tree. blinks at me. apparently she assumed that i worked at one of the major corporations nearby.
Mr. Biker?!?! Color me red faced! Why didn't you correct me when I referred to him as "Mr. Chick"?
Owl_Eagle
(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,
Heh heh...Bahama Mamas, all around!
$$$$$ always gets a gals attention!
True. I have a perfect life. I am quite thankful. Series.
then why is there alwyas a burr in your saddle, miss happyface?
LOL I'll have to call him that tonight when I get home. Then I will tell him how it feels to be a woman in society.
amen.
Just give me something with salt on the rim and I'm happy.
;)
CONCRETE WAYS TO END SEXISM
I always find that concrete overshoes and a deep lake, stops those who want to play sexist games with me. LOL
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