Masculinity and difference of gender did not occurred suddenly. As Micheal Kimmel writes “Institutions accomplish the creation of gender difference and the reproduction of gender order through several gendered processes.” First of all, the gendered identity of individuals shaped the institutions gendered. Next, the gendered institutions create gendered normative standards which are major factors for gender inequality. Then, Institutions themselves reproduces gender relations between women and men and the gender order of hierarchy and power. At last, differences between women and men, such as disadvantage and advantage, exploitation and control, etc. become “natural” outcomes.
The same way as sexual abuse talked about in the fourth episode of “Man Enough.”, masculinity is the root of why women are disregarded or sexually assaulted. Society accomplish the creation of inequality and exploitation of women. The collective socialization of manhood encourages men to win wealth and women. And sex is like about the male predator going after the female prey, dominating her, having his way with her and taking advantage of her.
Fortunately, more and more people realized the problem between men and women, and with many researches on masculinity being released, people get aware of masculinities, and are trying to change the gendered situations. As Kimmel writes, “Understanding how we do masculinities, then, requires that we make visible the performative elements of identity, and also the audience for those performances. It also opens up the unimaginable possibilities of social change.” Also, in the fourth episode of “Man Enough.” both women and men are responding to sexual assaults and inequality of women. I believe women will eventually become fully human and win fully worthy of respect. I believe women are flying alone as strong as men in the near future.
Lovers and Fighters | Section 22 