Men’s retail sales dropped almost twice as fast as women’s in 2009, but with a jump in accessory sales, the beginning of this year could set a 20-year high for sales growth.
Read the full article from the New York Times.
Feb 17
Thinking Allowed
A recent episode of the BBC sociology program Thinking Allowed featured interesting new research on masculinity.
“Vomiting, urinating openly, dressing up as women and public nudity – some of the features of the Stag Tour which show a new kind of masculinity, claims new research from Thomas Thurnell-Read. He tells Laurie that far from the controlled, contained and emotionally repressed image of traditional men, these young men are letting it all hang out – at least for one weekend. Also on the programme how men experience the process of childbirth. Are they sidelined by the medical process? Alan Dolan talks about his latest research. The social commentator Owen Jones also joins the discussion of modern young men and how masculinity is changing.”
Full references for their work is available on the site.
Feb 14
What is going on?
Just as I am adjusting to the fact that we are once again discussing whether all women should have access to affordable birth control I am confronted by debates surrounding family and intimate partner violence I thought long dead. As presented here on the Diane Rehm show on NPR this week, conservatives are challenging the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act on some shaky ground. Suggestions are made that over-zealous protections for women lead to men being seen as “always guilty”, the dissolution of families that should be kept together with counseling for the sake of children, and an increase in single-parent families living in poverty. There are certainly weaknesses within this legislation, but these are not they.
The interview does address the serious issue of male victims of intimate partner violence. There is not doubt that there is under-reporting in this area. Men who are victimized by their partners-whether women or men- do deserve the same resources as women. However, women are still much more likely to be victims of family violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They are also on the receiving end of much more serious injury. There is every reason to address this issues of men here, but that does not mean we ignore the reality of the situation.
Feb 08
Next Fall
Come see Next Fall February 8 through the 11 7pm, matinee February 12 at 3
Tickets are $5 cash and are sold only at the door. ALL proceeds will go the ‘It Gets Better’ Foundation. ♥ Hope to see you there!!!!!
‘Next Fall’ is a Tony Nominated play by Geoffrey Nauffts. The play revolves around the five-year relationship between Luke- a Christian- and and Adam- an atheist- and how they make it work despite their differences. However, when an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke’s family for support and answers. The play is both political and personal, funny, sad and all encompassing. It promotes diversity while still representing moral values.
Directed by Daniel Ellis, assistant directed by Melissa Panzarello. Stage managed by Cat Tignor and stars Longwood’s very own students. Please come out and support us.
Feb 08
Meryl Streep
Academy Award winning actor Meryl Streep was interviewed on NPR’s Fresh Air this week. In the interview she discusses her career, being a woman “of a certain age” in the industry, and the way in which straight men interact with and perceive films with female central characters. It is really worth a listen.
Jan 30
The Masculine Appeal of Ron Paul
Just a quick link to a great discussion at the Sociological Images blog about the way in which Ron Paul’s campaign plays on masculine themes. Could this explain why he has so much more support among men than women?
Jan 20
Queering the Classic Music World
Hahn-Bin, the 23-year-old graduate of Julliard and protégé of the eminent violinist Itzhak Perlman, wants to wake up the sleeping world of classical music with his own blend of music, fashion, and stage presence. He told the New York Times, “I have always been a performance artist who sings through the violin.”
His boundary crossing does not stop at his musical performance. “I have never identified as Asian or American, boy or girl, classical or pop,” said the queer artist. Of course, this was not always accepted by those around him. In an interview with the L.A. Times , Hahn-Bin discussed the challenges of his early years, “Certainly growing up I’ve had to deal with peoples’ poisons. And that always tends to begin with ignorance… Ignorance about human sexuality, ignorance about minorities, ignorance about race, gender. And because I was born a strange fruit, I always had to deal with it.”
Today he is breaking all the rules- performing in a wide range of venues, blending classical and contemporary styles of music, wearing whatever he likes. Get to know Hanh-Bin below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psq5cQenrG0[/youtube]
Jan 15
Israelis Facing a Seismic Rift Over Role of Women
From the New York Times:
JERUSALEM — In the three months since the Israeli Health Ministry awarded a prize to a pediatrics professor for her book on hereditary diseases common to Jews, her experience at the awards ceremony has become a rallying cry.
The professor, Channa Maayan, knew that the acting health minister, who is ultra-Orthodox, and other religious people would be in attendance. So she wore a long-sleeve top and a long skirt. But that was hardly enough.
Not only did Dr. Maayan and her husband have to sit separately, as men and women were segregated at the event, but she was instructed that a male colleague would have to accept the award for her because women were not permitted on stage. More here.
Jan 09
Should the World of Toys Be Gender-Free?
NOW that the wrapping paper and the infernal clamshell packaging have been relegated to the curb and the paying off of holiday bills has begun, the toy industry is gearing up — for Christmas 2012. And its early offerings have ignited a new debate over nature, nurture, toys and sex.
Hamleys, which is London’s 251-year-old version of F.A.O. Schwarz, recently dismantled its pink “girls” and blue “boys” sections in favor of a gender-neutral store with red-and-white signage. Rather than floors dedicated to Barbie dolls and action figures, merchandise is now organized by types (Soft Toys) and interests (Outdoor). Continue. Hat tip to Raymond Cormier.
Dec 16
Nearly one in five U.S. women has been a victim of sexual assault
Nearly one-fifth of U.S. women have been the victim of a sexual assault at some time in their lives, according to new federal data released Wednesday.
In addition, one in four has been the victim of severe physical violence by a boyfriend or husband, according to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, which was conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More.