Mandylubug Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 (edited) Article I just find this point of view so shocking. I consider myself quite conservative but to blame the emasculation of men on the way women dress is so . . . degrading for men. While, I do believe the fashions of today definitey show no respect for private intimacy and respect of women; I would never say women "unknowingly emasculate men" Discuss :D ETA: Me and my DH have been discussing heavily lately how it does seem that popular culture emasculates the male identity. Even Disney channel comedy sitcoms always shows the males completely incompetent and unable to handle day to day issues without the assistance of their female half.. Still don't think we can all blame this emasculation on the sole factor of provocative dress.. or am I missing an important point in that article?! Edited May 25, 2012 by Mandylubug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganCupcake Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 The article mystifies me. It doesn't seem to be a very clear exposition of anything. What is arousing or titilating is so culturally defined. Is it bared breasts? Is it an ankle? Is it a tight skirt? Whose fashions are appropriate and whose are not? I don't understand how not responding sexually to just any person on the street or in your workplace, say, is emasculating, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iucounu Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 It's not emasculating; it's tempting. What's arguably borderline emasculating is the social requirement not to apparently notice when a woman flaunts "the goods", but it's really just a natural consequence of tension between the way women attract men and recent historical developments. There are reasons why women wear revealing / provocative dress. They range from a conscious desire to titillate or arouse or at least attract, to simply trying to be in fashion. There's a continuum of reasons for stimulating dress, and how stimulating the dress actually is, and of course perceptions of the dress. It's definitely true, though, that not all women think through the full range of perceptions that their clothing choices will likely cause in male viewers, and even more true that they don't think through all the reasons they dress they way they do. They just do it, perhaps relishing a certain degree of attention but not giving it more thought than that. Many men also dress fashionably for the same reasons, though the focus in male dress tends not to be on revealing parts of the anatomy as much but in choosing styles that convey dash or dynamism, etc. Sexualism is much more blatant in female styles. I feel that individual women are not to blame for causing a situation where men are forced to refrain from expressing the very reactions that the women's clothing more or less intentionally causes. It's a product of fairly recent legal and social developments. It's certainly not emasculating, since men's manhood doesn't depend on violating current social and legal rules; it's merely a type of inconsistency. I don't think most men would want women to cover up, either. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostSurprise Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I did not read the article. I don't like to feed this viewpoint, even with web page clicks. However, I would think it would be the opposite. Certain clothes seem to have a rather invigorating response, definitely masculine. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iucounu Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I don't understand how not responding sexually to just any person on the street or in your workplace, say, is emasculating, either. That's what's so silly about the article. James N. feels "unmanned" because he can't reflexively insta-grope every attractive woman dressed according to prevailing fashions. :svengo: Hyperbolic much, James? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I probably shouldn't touch this with a 10-foot pole. But I don't get it. What is "emasculate" anyway, in a culture that doesn't allow males to be "masculated" in the first place? I do think the article is bunk. I do consider the attire they refer to as being disrespectful to the self and to women, more so than to men. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Personally, I don't believe the title relates well at all to the content of the article. None of the text seems to explain the relationship between being a young, attractive woman and the emasculation of men. I thought the article was stupid, poorly organized and written, and that it proved absolutely nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted May 25, 2012 Author Share Posted May 25, 2012 That's what's so silly about the article. James N. feels "unmanned" because he can't reflexively insta-grope every attractive woman dressed according to prevailing fashions. :svengo: Hyperbolic much, James? when I read that quote I pictured a political sign advocating men humping like a chihuahua in heat on sidewalks and public beaches.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang!Zoom! Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Putting context of a particular time and particular culture would have been helpful to get the point illustrated. I read it with a global & historical view since the writer brought up St. Bernard. Makes for poor reading actually without the society & gender POV defined. Oatmeal. My final verdict. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 That's what's so silly about the article. James N. feels "unmanned" because he can't reflexively insta-grope every attractive woman dressed according to prevailing fashions. :svengo: Hyperbolic much, James? If James was younger, better looking, and wore nicer clothes, he'd probably get to grope a lot more of those attractive women. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I'm pretty sure that if I ever emasculate a man, I will be doing so knowingly and on purpose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 the writer brought up St. Bernard. St Bernard and Chihuahuas ..... this thread is going to the dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 If seeing a woman without being able to grope her is such a rough experience for a man, then could someone explain to me why strip clubs exist??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I'm pretty sure that if I ever emasculate a man, I will be doing so knowingly and on purpose. You go, girl. :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted May 25, 2012 Author Share Posted May 25, 2012 St Bernard and Chihuahuas ..... this thread is going to the dogs. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 St Bernard and Chihuahuas ..... this thread is going to the dogs. :lol::lol::lol: It's only a matter of time before we get to kilts, cats, and chocolate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I'm pretty sure that if I ever emasculate a man, I will be doing so knowingly and on purpose. :lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 We just say no to popular culture including cable and the Disney station, and are much the happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdventureMoms Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 While I agree that some of the popular shows/movies have a pretty negative portrayal of men, I can't see what it has to do with women's clothing. I used to get looks, catcalls, and comments when I was younger. I've looked back at pics - my clothes were terrible, but not at all revealing (or flattering). However, I am well endowed. Very well endowed. Have I been walking around emasculating all those men out there who I don't allow to grope me? I keep getting this visual of men in that article being portrayed as so completely out of control that it is all they can do to not grope every woman who walks by. I cannot see how that is a better portrayal than the "bumbling idiot" portrayal I see in certain pop culture shows and movies. I'm new to this, but I'm hoping my boys grow up to be men who are not idiots, and capable of not groping random strangers without losing their masculinity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Have I been walking around emasculating all those men out there who I don't allow to grope me? Yes. Yes, you have. :tongue_smilie: It's kind of a powerful feeling when you think about it... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 While I agree that some of the popular shows/movies have a pretty negative portrayal of men, I can't see what it has to do with women's clothing. I used to get looks, catcalls, and comments when I was younger. I've looked back at pics - my clothes were terrible, but not at all revealing (or flattering). However, I am well endowed. Very well endowed. Have I been walking around emasculating all those men out there who I don't allow to grope me? I keep getting this visual of men in that article being portrayed as so completely out of control that it is all they can do to not grope every woman who walks by. I cannot see how that is a better portrayal than the "bumbling idiot" portrayal I see in certain pop culture shows and movies. I'm new to this, but I'm hoping my boys grow up to be men who are not idiots, and capable of not groping random strangers without losing their masculinity. :iagree::iagree::iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nova147 Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 The thread title made me hopeful. The article left me confused. I have heard that men feel emasculated in our culture. I was interested in an intelligent article on the subject. This was neither intelligent nor on the subject. Can we just get to chocolate now? I can skip cats and kilts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tntgoodwin Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 This is just ridiculous. I don't feel emasculated because it's socially unacceptable or illegal to ogle or grope someone because of the way she is dressed. Is this some type of poorly executed attempt at satire? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I'm pretty sure that if I ever emasculate a man, I will be doing so knowingly and on purpose. :lol: :lol: :lol: That is so hot! I have this urge to ogle you :D Bill (who thinks original article is one of the stupidest things he's ever read) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I only emasuclate selectively. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I only emasuclate selectively. We should start a club. Rivka can be our leader. Bill can be the fanboy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 That's what's so silly about the article. James N. feels "unmanned" because he can't reflexively insta-grope every attractive woman dressed according to prevailing fashions. :svengo: Hyperbolic much, James? The silliest thing about the article? This quote: "For instance, what’s it like to be an attractive young woman? Well, it is to live a life in which every man, everywhere, is nice to you" What a moron. Seriously? He thinks EVERYONE is nice to attractive young women? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 The silliest thing about the article? This quote:"For instance, what’s it like to be an attractive young woman? Well, it is to live a life in which every man, everywhere, is nice to you" What a moron. Seriously? He thinks EVERYONE is nice to attractive young women? [sarcasm]Yeah, I thought it was really nice when men used to catcall at me when I was a cute 17 yo. [/sarcasm] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 [sarcasm]Yeah, I thought it was really nice when men used to catcall at me when I was a cute 17 yo. [/sarcasm] And how now, all these years later, such a thing might make your day :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 And how now, all these years later, such a thing might make your day :D Bill I wish this weren't true, but I'll admit it. Awhile back, a guy came up to me in the Costco parking lot and asked if he could pay me a compliment. Thinking it was probably about my kids, I said sure. He proceeded to compliment my rear. I was aghast. But also a little flattered.:blushing: I wonder if it emasculated him.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlbuchina Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I probably shouldn't touch this with a 10-foot pole. But I don't get it. What is "emasculate" anyway, in a culture that doesn't allow males to be "masculated" in the first place? I do think the article is bunk. I do consider the attire they refer to as being disrespectful to the self and to women, more so than to men. I have not read the article, but I totally agree with the bolded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlbuchina Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 I wish this weren't true, but I'll admit it. Awhile back, a guy came up to me in the Costco parking lot and asked if he could pay me a compliment. Thinking it was probably about my kids, I said sure. He proceeded to compliment my rear. I was aghast. But also a little flattered.:blushing: I wonder if it emasculated him.:D A few weeks back I had a guy at a Best Buy tell me,"If I may say so, you look nice today." He then asked me to please not hit him for saying so. Really? We are at the point where we have to be asked if it is ok to be complimented, and also the complimentor is afraid of being slapped (with a law suit, or a hand)? I just thanked him, went on with my shopping, and thought the whole time how sad it was he thought he would be in some kind of trouble for telling me I looked nice. Is this what someone emasculated looks like? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iucounu Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 A few weeks back I had a guy at a Best Buy tell me,"If I may say so, you look nice today." He then asked me to please not hit him for saying so. Really? We are at the point where we have to be asked if it is ok to be complimented, and also the complimentor is afraid of being slapped (with a law suit, or a hand)? I just thanked him, went on with my shopping, and thought the whole time how sad it was he thought he would be in some kind of trouble for telling me I looked nice. Is this what someone emasculated looks like? Nah, that's what a metrosexual mack daddy looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlbuchina Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Nah, that's what a metrosexual mack daddy looks like. That statement juxtaposed with what the man looked like made me :smilielol5::rofl::lol:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Now I need to work the phrase metrosexual mack daddy into casual conversation somehow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuirkyKapers Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 How about "the other day when I was talking smack with a metrosexual mack daddy..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Is this what someone emasculated looks like? Nah, emasculated looks like a guy who has a brain freeze over strawberries because he's afraid he won't pick the right ones; somehow forgetting the only way they could be the wrong ones is if they are squashed and soggy or mouldy. Either scenario can be ruled out by looking at them. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 We should start a club. Rivka can be our leader. Bill can be the fanboy. Did I ever tell you guys that I've eaten fire? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 Did I ever tell you guys that I've eaten fire? Not just breathed it? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted May 25, 2012 Share Posted May 25, 2012 If woman can restrain from touching cabana boys and shirtless construction workers does that us the stronger species? I propose an experiment. Kilts, cabana boys, and construction workers. Maybe a few guys in uniform too. We'll time our restraint. :tongue_smilie: Didn't read the article. School is out for three days and we don't need more illogical articles to critique on the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tntgoodwin Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 But don't you know, we men are so visual. Womenfolk are pure emotion. It's easy for you all to not be overwhelmed with the desire to grope people. It's difficult for us though. Especially when you are enticing us with your...whatever it is. Wiles. Or maybe not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EJCMom Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 Is this really from The Onion? I just can't take it seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 What I find a bit funny about these types of arguments (as put forth in the article) is that there seems to be a real lack of understanding how women dressed throughout history. Just think about the many cultures throughout the world that reside in warm climates. Some of the most "masculine" African tribesmen are surrounded by topless women. Corseted waists and massive clevage were very prevelant in some cooler climates. Belly dancers? Togas? I just do not get it! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 But don't you know, we men are so visual. Womenfolk are pure emotion. It's easy for you all to not be overwhelmed with the desire to grope people. It's difficult for us though. Especially when you are enticing us with your...whatever it is. Wiles. Or maybe not. Obviously you underestimate how cool and calculating we can be. ;) As per your argument, I do not think it is women functioning on "pure emotion." :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeslieAnneLevine Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 Oh, please. I think there is plenty of masculinity out there to go around. Unless we're talking about a Lorena Bobbitt situation, I think the menfolk are going to be just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine clementine Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 If woman can restrain from touching cabana boys and shirtless construction workers does that us the stronger species? I propose an experiment. Kilts, cabana boys, and construction workers. Maybe a few guys in uniform too. We'll time our restraint. :tongue_smilie: Didn't read the article. School is out for three days and we don't need more illogical articles to critique on the weekend. if kilts are involved...i'm out..i have to grope or i will feel like less of a woman :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 We should start a club. Rivka can be our leader. Bill can be the fanboy. I would join that club! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 if kilts are involved...i'm out..i have to grope or i will feel like less of a woman :lol: Don't forget to take pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine clementine Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 Don't forget to take pictures. hahaaaa!! of course! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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