|
LaTigresse -> RE: Why no insults for men? (1/24/2010 5:01:13 AM)
|
I think yes and no. And how so, definitely is cultural. I just look at the two cultural worlds I spend the most time straddling. The area in which I live versus the area in which I work and socialize.
Where I live men are valued for their brawn and alcohol capacity in addition to the toys with motors they own. The bigger gas guzzlers are more macho. Much less so for intelligence, wardrobe, type or stability of job. How many guns they own and dead carcasses they can drag home. Women are valued for their slut potential, fuckability. Which is a pretty low barr given the alcohol capacity of the men. Bleached blonde hair with blue eye shadow, clothing two sizes too small (regardless of body type) sparkly accessories and excessive drinking combined with sexual promiscuity with the excessive drinking is highly prized. If she can tend bar and flirt with the testosterone flushed carcass draggers for some extra cash, it is a bonus. If a woman talks to a man that she is not related to or married to, she is flirting and visa versa. Very distinct gender expectations.
Where I work and socialize, the brain is more prized. Education, but more importantly, the creative use of it, is a treasure. Many have become business owners, sucessful artists and writers. It is much less gender specific. Being involved in the community, active in politics, aware of the world.......all admired qualities. Men are more slender/healthy, more relaxed and involved in parenting. The bars are for the college kids, very few for adults. Economy cars and alternative transportation are prized and admired. A man will often ride a bike to work and change clothes. A woman may be the more highly paid adult in the house. Gender roles are much more blurred. It just seems so much more relaxed and fun. Quirkiness, non conforming, is accepted. More of a, live and let live, mindset. People do what they feel is right and are passionate about it, but are less likely to berate those that are different or do not agree. There is no obvious gender perception in communicating. I guess gender is just much less a divider.
For me, there are pros and cons to both. My sense of humour will offend less people where I live. Where I live, more people are intimidated by my differences. I don't fit in. So if I want to be left alone and not engage, where I live is perfect. Where I work, I can be relaxed in my differences, enjoy the company of more likeminded people. Not consider whether or not my shoes are 'hawt' cuz some of the wealthiest, hippest, coolest, dress like bums, listen to great new music..........and have intelligent conversation with either gender, without gender being an issue. However, I do have to be more PC aware because if anything, people there are more sensitive to the issues.
Perhaps my babbling is going off kilter to the topic. I think that the more educated and culturally aware people are, the less divide between genders. Unfortunately it exists in pockets of society rather than being the norm of society.
I also believe that religioun and political affiliations play a big part in determining how people view gender roles and stereotypes.
|
|
|
|
