🧵 FRAGILE MASCULINITY, SEXISM AND HOMOPHOBIA: A THREAD FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS 🧵
It's never easy to hear rank sexism or homophobia, particularly if it's from boys or men we care about.
I've just read an interesting study into this and I want to tell you about it...
It's never easy to hear rank sexism or homophobia, particularly if it's from boys or men we care about.
I've just read an interesting study into this and I want to tell you about it...
So in 2017, researchers gave 166 straight blokes, a survey with questions about their own masculinity, how important their masculinity was and any anti-gay attitudes they might have or not have.
Then it gets interesting...
Then it gets interesting...
All participants were told that the survey measured the extent of their masculinity or femininity.
Half of the fellas were not told the outcome of their survey. (Control group).
The other half were told that their responses were classed as feminine. Masculinity threatened!
Half of the fellas were not told the outcome of their survey. (Control group).
The other half were told that their responses were classed as feminine. Masculinity threatened!
After this, participants had to rate how funny a series of sexist, racist and homophobic jokes were.
And guess what?
The guys who had strong, fixed views on masculinity who had had their masculinity threatened were more likely to rate the jokes as funnier.
And guess what?
The guys who had strong, fixed views on masculinity who had had their masculinity threatened were more likely to rate the jokes as funnier.
This is to say, men who feel their masculinity is threatened, find sexist, racist and homophobic jokes funnier.
Presumably this is an attempt on their part to regain some macho points. Men have to be tough, brutal, and emotionless right? And definitely not girly or gay.*
Presumably this is an attempt on their part to regain some macho points. Men have to be tough, brutal, and emotionless right? And definitely not girly or gay.*
*No - this is not what I think. It's what many toxic men believe as a result of gender socialisation.
Anyway, what does this mean for teachers and parents? I've a few thoughts...
Anyway, what does this mean for teachers and parents? I've a few thoughts...
1. We need to talk to kids about gender from a very early age.
We need to critique, criticise and call out rigid notions of masculinity that put strength, heterosexuality, and misogyny above compassion, care and self-love.
We need to critique, criticise and call out rigid notions of masculinity that put strength, heterosexuality, and misogyny above compassion, care and self-love.
2. We need to help boys to love themselves.
I strongly believe that those boys and men who are insecure and fragile are those who do the most damage to others. Either that or they're simply ignorant. Which is why education is so important.
I strongly believe that those boys and men who are insecure and fragile are those who do the most damage to others. Either that or they're simply ignorant. Which is why education is so important.
3. We need to expose boys to lives different from their own.
LGBTQ+ role models, men who venerate and support and advocate for women, women who understand that masculinity and being a man, although easier than being a woman, isn't always easy. These are the people boys need.
LGBTQ+ role models, men who venerate and support and advocate for women, women who understand that masculinity and being a man, although easier than being a woman, isn't always easy. These are the people boys need.
4. At least while they're children, we need to provide boys with the tools and opportunities to be better.
Whilst sexism and homophobia and racist absolutely needs to be punished, there needs to be a chance for boys to learn and reflect and to atone appropriately.
Whilst sexism and homophobia and racist absolutely needs to be punished, there needs to be a chance for boys to learn and reflect and to atone appropriately.
@threadreaderapp unroll please!
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