duckymcfly99 said:
I am writing a feature in journalism about being a man, and I wanted to hear people's thoughts. I won't use names, but if you want your name in a small town news paper give me the okay.
When someone asked me if there was anything good about being a man, I was stumped. The only thing that came to mind was the fact that we didn't have to deal with "Aunt Ruby coming to town".
But all joking aside, what are the upsides of being a male
-I don't have to wear a dress or leggings when it's really cold.
-I can pee standing up.
-I am perceived to be a better authority (useful for my line of work).
-I have a lower rate of very obtuse health problems (diabetes, MS, etc.).
-In general, my biology is more predictable; thus, medications are more effective.
-I don't have a fear of walking the streets alone, even at night.
-Most people are looking at my face when I talk.
-I am not usually objectified by malodorous morons, and there aren't any memes I'm aware of which are intentionally bigoted against me (i.e. - "Go make me a sammich!") and repeated by complete douchebags who are about as funny as a broken hip.
-I can pass gas in public and people will only care a little.
-I cannot be slut shamed.
To contrast, here's what I don't like about being a man:
-Every health article ever written in any mainstream news source (CNN, MSNBC, etc.) is not for me. I am a mystical creature who exists in the world, but is never studied - apparently.
-Every FASHION article ever written by any mainstream news source, most independent sources, and the driving force of the industry is not for me. (Seriously, check out men's fashion sometime... I've seen articles ranging from what graphic tees are in, to the shape of the collar on business suits.) Also, if you think it's hard finding clothes in your size, ladies, try being a tall guy who's also not obese. If you can find me a 38L x 34W pair of pants that's not a pair of blue jeans or Dockers, I'll pay you a finder's fee.
-There are precisely three stereotypes which are written about in women's magazines (Cosmo, Essence, etc.): The Brawny Man, the Man-Child, and the Metrosexual/Effeminate Man. Very, very rarely are hard-working, constantly-there fathers who love and support their wives written about. When they are, it's mostly a self-centered piece about how the woman feels like her place has been usurped as the "primary" parent, is jealous of the attention, and may or may not learn from her "self-analysis" at all.
-All-too-often male sexuality is completely ignored, and education among men is extremely poor due to the Brawny Man stereotype.
-In the same vein, because of long-standing assumptions and lengthy histories, despite Feminism's accomplishments, most women don't know how to romance a guy without using sexuality as a crutch. Most won't even ask a guy they like out; which should be the first step in equality.
-Despite having fewer accidents (and from my personal experience, far better driving habits), men pay significantly more for car insurance. (Currently $60/mo - This is at 27y.o., ZERO accidents/arrests/reports on record, a good student discount, an incredibly safe car, driving less than 1k miles per year, and having a 750+ credit score.)
There are other things, but I'm mostly miffed about the emotional complexity double standard exerted by society. Men are not simple, mentally or emotionally. The "I'm/He's just a guy" excuse is one of the biggest cop-outs in history, and I can't believe it's still being propagated.
That, and the fashion thing really gets me, too.
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