Greetings,
With a title like this you could almost be forgiven for thinking that I was going to talk about things like global warming, nuclear weapons and other such issues. Actually, I am going to be aiming somewhat smaller than these larger topics. The aim of this blog is to address some of those issues of being of the male gender in the modern world.
For starters lets get down to some specifics about who I am talking about. First, it must be made clear that any groups or individuals not included in this description should in no way get the idea that these problems only exist for the nominated. Second, it must be made clear that this is my own personal point of view and in no way claims to be speaking for any group of individuals or any singular individual aside from myself. So, the modern man I am speaking about is; of the male gender, of the heterosexual tendency, of the opinion that some of the old customs should be brought back, and is of a generally generous nature.
To be more specific about the problems of which I speak, I do not wish to address wider problems such as those already spoken about, nor do I wish to speak of everyday living issues as each individual should be able to solve these for themselves. The problems which I wish to speak about are with reference to the interaction with other individuals in society, more specifically I wish to talk about the social interactions between those of the male gender and those of the female gender.
In previous ages it was reasonably simple to follow a simple set of guidelines in order to survive interactions with those of the opposite gender. In the modern world things are not so simple for the man. Certain expectations used to be placed on the man and he was expected to live up to these expectations or be shunned by certain members of society. Some of these rules still apply others have been removed and others have been legislated. For the modern man things have increased in complexity.
Sexual harassment is a subject which comes up again and again with regard to the interaction between the male and the female genders. The modern man has really been placed between a rock and a hard place with regard to this particular issue. Sexual harassment is decreed by the victim of the sexual harassment, which is understandable, but there are no clear lines where this applies to a particular gesture. The rules are flexible as associated with the situation in which the individuals find themselves in. It is this flexibility which causes the modern man much consternation. The same action in one instance is perfectly fine whereas in another it is considered to be sexual harassment, or even dependent on the individual involved. This leaves the modern man in a situation where if he makes a move he could be considered to be harassing, yet if he makes no move, then he could be considered to be being shy or lacking in some fashion. This leaves the modern man in a veritable catch-22.
Continuing on a similar line, the modern man faces another problem which is not as evident as it might be to some. The question of the appreciation of the female form. The human brain is programmed to seek those of the opposite gender who are attractive to them ostensibly for the purposes of procreation. The only way for this to happen is for the individual to observe and do evaluations. In one particular instance a male observing a female could be seen as not being a problem, and yet in another, such observation could be seen as "ogling" or even sexual harassment. Still in another situation the second action described could be seen as a firm appreciation of the individual and welcomed. Once again leaving the modern man confused as to his approach. Yet from a different point of view, the same observation by the female of the male is often considered fine. Thus often having different rules for the genders.
The concept of feminism brought the female in to a situation where according to all its tenets she was equal to he and vice versa. As a concept for allowing the female gender the pursuit of equal rights it should be applauded. However, this particular concept has caused issues for the male gender and indeed for a specific group within the gender being the gentleman. The previous habits of the gentleman were seen as being simply good manners, now in some instances they are considered demeaning and cause issues. The same could be said for old-fashioned courtesy, this is a concept which has been damaged by over-politicisation and over-emphasis of feminism.
Previously, it was considered to be simply good manners for a man to open a door for a woman. In the modern age such an action can attract negative attention to it. It does not always, but a man puts himself at risk of negative attention every time he does it. However, in the same situation the same man who did not open the door could also be considered inconsiderate. Thus this leaves the man in a bind about his actions. Indeed many of those actions which were considered to be common courtesy and expected by any well-bred man have been turned into potentially negative actions.
For the modern man, there are many different issues that abound. The focus of this blog has been those in association with gender relations. This is not designed so that the man can claim he has it hard or anything of the kind more to present these problems to a wider audience, and bring some recognition to them. In my particular instance, I will continue to do those things which I consider to be polite. This is what I feel is right.
Cheers,
...Henry.
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