Beginning with the hunter-gatherer civilizations of our ancient ancestors, male dominance has been reinforced through generations of war-mongering societies, resulting finally in the image of the pick-up-truck-driving, beer-guzzling, iron-pumping culture of men in the 20th century.
But something has been happening to this established reign in the past few decades that threatens to topple it to its very foundations: A slow-churning revolution is quietly taking place, and men as we know them will forever be changed.
The deeply-rooted gender roles which have entrapped men as bread-winning, emotionless tough guys are beginning to deteriorate.
Since the '70s, groups like the Men’s Liberation Movement and National Organization for Men Against Sexism have battled against patriarchy, sexism, racism and homophobia.
They are sympathetic to feminism, using it as a model to free themselves from their own fixed gender roles.
These organizations hold that men are blamed for much of the violence, are overworked and raise awareness for the damage that can be inflicted on boys as they become men.
Only recently can their progress be seen. The line between genders has started to blur, thanks not only to the media, but increasing male tolerance for the social equality of women, alternative lifestyles and LGBTQA peoples.
For decades, women have filled the shoes of doctors, lawyers and CEOs, and men have had to come to terms with the fact that they’re not the only ones who can hold high-ranking positions in the workforce or community.
This might have been alarming to some men initially, scared for the sanctity of their manhood, but lately, the strides taken by women have opened up new territory for men to express themselves as they really are, unrestrained by strict gender roles.
In other words, when women shattered their social shackles, they began to erode the bonds arresting men as well.
Today’s culture encourages self-expression and individuality, and as women increasingly break down the doors marked, “Boys Only,” men have begun to feel a little more comfortable entering the ladies’ room, so to speak. The image of the man’s man has certainly changed.
Hyper-masculine figures in the media such as rugged actors John Wayne and Sylvester Stallone and director Clint Eastwood and have been replaced by svelte actors Joseph Gordon-Levitts, Orlando Blooms and James Franco.
Television shows like "Glee" consistently challenge older norms of masculinity by featuring straight male characters who love to dance and sing their hearts out and show off their sensitive side.
Our culture has begun to tell men that it’s OK to express themselves, and frankly, to have emotions. This trend can easily be seen all over campus: Baggy T-shirts and basketball shorts have been exchanged for skinny jeans and form-fitting deep-V-necks.
Interests that have primarily been associated with masculinity, such as sports and cars, have made way for more effeminate activities, such as art, cooking and dancing.
As gender roles for men and women begin to overlap, the difference between the two sexes becomes indistinguishable.
Confidence is boosted and a weight is lifted when people are free to do as their heart guides them—regardless of sex and free of social norms.
We’re being pushed towards a more harmonized society. Harper Lee said it best in “To Kill a Mockingbird”: “I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”
Reach the columnist at jwadler@asu.edu
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