Male Privilege Checklist

[Grazzt]

I just read a rather interesting article where a woman describes the ways in which men are privileged over women.

The article in question. (http://colours.mahost.org/org/maleprivilege.html)

The crux of the article is Number 43, however:

I have the privilege of being unaware of my male privilege.

For the rest of the guys out there, do you take for granted the advantages you have over women in many cases?

[Michael P]

Number 8 does not accurately describe me. 16 isn't applicable.

I would argue that numbers 10, 37, 38, and 39 are becoming less true as time goes on. 18, as I understand it, has been consciously addressed to the point of near reversal. 30 is just obnoxious.

As to the rest, I say the same thing I do to all activists: Congratulations. You've identified a problem. Now, what are you going to do about it?

[literally exaggerated]

17 has also improved drastically over the past decade or so.

[literally exaggerated]

And 30 makes no sense whatsoever. ALL crimes are filed under special social concerns, in that they are placed within a specific subgroup. There's no such thing as generalized crime, unless if you mean as a broad term which in that case would most definitely include domestic violence and acquaintance rape cases, among others.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I'm not a guy, but #9<If I choose not to have children, my masculinity will not be called into question.> isn't necessarily true. It really depends on the type of family the guy is raised in.

[Dom]

I disagree with :

5. The odds of my encountering sexual harassment on the job are so low as to be negligible.

Many men are sexually harrassed (it's tough being beautiful) and never come forward. I would never say it's even keel with what women go through, but most men are too ashamed to admit to sexual harrassment from a female superiors or colleagues.

I was on an office HR committee on sexual harrassment, and in a shockingly high number of cases, men descibed actions that would comfortably fit under harrassment if the sexes were reversed.

18. As a child, chances are I got more teacher attention than girls who raised their hands just as often.

Well duh, that's because we are stupid and need all the help we can get.

31. I can be confident that the ordinary language of day-to-day existence will always include my sex. "All men are created equal…," mailman, chairman, freshman, he.

Does this really matter? I mean, would any woman feel better if they were freshwomen?

37. If I have a wife or girlfriend, chances are we'll divide up household chores so that she does most of the labor, and in particular the most repetitive and unrewarding tasks.

38. If I have children with a wife or girlfriend, chances are she'll do most of the childrearing, and in particular the most dirty, repetitive and unrewarding parts of childrearing.

Generalize much? I was raised to do housework. In fact, it has gotten to the point where I don't trust a woman to know how to properly wash my clothing. I don't really agree with this generalization. It's 2006, most men know they aren't getting a housewife when they get married.


41. I am not expected to spend my entire life 20-40 pounds underweight.

Whoa there. Every man who is overweight feels his life would be better off, in all aspects, if he was fit and all. I know I did. Being self conscious isn't a woman thing, it's a human thing.

42. If I am heterosexual, it's incredibly unlikely that I'll ever be beaten up by a spouse or lover.

Sure, not physically. But I know, personally, plenty of men who are verbally and emotionally abused. And women will always be better at that than men.

[clayholio]

I'm sure it would easy to put together a rebuttal list to this. The article makes a few points, exposes some paranoia on the author's part (it seems the only explanation for anything happening can be that someone is female), and completely lies on some (specifically, 18, 41 and 42 - the weight thing is a factor for both genders. It may be worse for females, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist at all for men).

I don't see anything productive or useful in playing the "These are the ways I am a victim" game. If one sees themself as a victim, that's as much of a limiting factor in their life as anything. But what do I know? I'm just a racist, sexist, big, dumb white male who couldn't possibly understand anything at all.

[Roquefort Raider]

The author forgot one important privilege that as a male I do acknowledge:

The world is my urinal.

[kane]

Its good to be a man :D

[tricksterpup]

Actually what is sad and I really didnt go into the list. But if you are a single male and in your 30's. Most people you meet tend to think you are gay, since you are single and havent settled down.

[Grazzt]

Actually what is sad and I really didnt go into the list. But if you are a single male and in your 30's. Most people you meet tend to think you are gay, since you are single and havent settled down.

I would think you'd have to dress nice, too.

[tricksterpup]

I would think you'd have to dress nice, too.
Well, if you dress like a ditch digger yeah, its understandable. But seriously, many people have that mind set. Single 30 something male= gay man hiding.

[Haunt]

Well, if you dress like a ditch digger yeah, its understandable. But seriously, many people have that mind set. Single 30 something male= gay man hiding.


wouldn't a better way to hide be to find a girlfriend?

[atoningunifex]

10 If I have children but do not provide primary care for them, my masculinity will not be called into question.
11 If I have children and provide primary care for them, I'll be praised for extraordinary parenting if I'm even marginally competent.

I've been watching my brother-in-law prove these two true.

32. My ability to make important decisions and my capability in general will never be questioned depending on what time of the month it is.

I am the only man in my office at work. I am the only man with any authority at work. My abilities and capabilities often get questioned when it's that time of the month.

Heh heh.

That was a joke.

28. If I'm not conventionally attractive, the disadvantages are relatively small and easy to ignore.

That is completely untrue. Not only are the disadvantages just as enormous and painful, complaining about it usually elicits nothing more than "Well, be a MAN and stop whining."

29 I can be loud with no fear of being called a shrew. I can be aggressive with no fear of being called a bitch.

I got called a bitch at work twice today. :)

[Cosmic Average]

26. My wardrobe and grooming are relatively cheap and consume little time.

Isn't that a 'privilege' everyone has, especially poor people? I mean, it's a choice to spend cash on clothes and grooming.

[sehthan]

29 I can be loud with no fear of being called a shrew. I can be aggressive with no fear of being called a bitch.

I can, however, be called an a-hole, jerk, or any one of many other insults. And then I'll be expected to get in a fight about it. But if it was a woman that called me the names, I won't be expected to fight her. I'll be expected to fight her boyfriend, or equivalent. See, she's right! It is unfair!

[Noah Johnson]

Like I always say, I love being a white guy. Whenever I turn on TV or movies, I can be assured that the entire world is all about me. Sure, there are those in the world who aren't white or aren't male, but they're just sidekicks, bad guys, love interests, comic relief, or other supporting characters. And who are they supporting? ME!

Man, it fuckin' rocks.

[phoenixrising]

I'd say just about every one of them are true. Especially the ones about the workplace.

I absolutely hate having to justify how I got hired here so young (I've heard "affirmative action" whispered behind my back on many occasions). I hate having my editors judge me as a female and not as an equal. I hate all of the little societal expectations and assumptions that men have put out there - and for anyone to say that 'its gotten better' is lying to themselves. It's only become a bit more secretive.

[Wesley Dodds]

But on the plus side being a woman is great if you're into bondage and S&M.

"Yes! Encourage my male siblings to be more active than me daddy! Ah! I'm a worm, I'm a worm!"

[Rallura]

I think some things have gotten better. I also think that to so overtly blame things on men is inaccurate and not helpful. A lot of that list still goes on, but, women buy into it as much as the men. We have had just one man in an office of about 30 women for the past five months. And he is a hard worker and a nice guy and funny. The thing is, pretty much everyone in the office is a hard worker and a good person. But he walks in, suddenly, he's King of the Prom. Every Single Day. The ones that aren't trying to date him are trying to mother him. And this is a cross section of ages and ethnicities. I feel sorry for him. How is he ever going to be himself and a part of the team, if we won't let him?


As much as men still have things to work on, so do women.

[phoenixrising]

As much as men still have things to work on, so do women.

I completely agree. One of the main reasons men are still so priveledged is because women, despite all our "independence", allow it. Not only do women buy into and further certain sterotypes, but they are usually the ones to push them in the first place (particularly the "stay at home mom" one).

[howyadoin]

I completely agree. One of the main reasons men are still so priveledged is because women, despite all our "independence", allow it. Not only do women buy into and further certain sterotypes, but they are usually the ones to push them in the first place...Some good points there, pho. I was thinking about this at work today, because advertising seems to be a magnet for women who put on the cute-little-girl voice whenever things are going wrong.

Talk like a fucking adult, for Christ's sake. Or don't be too surprised if you don't get treated like one.

[Rallura]

It's hard to give up some types of priveleges though. A little girl voice and wide eyes have gotten me more free drinks then I care to think about, heh.

I don't do that anymore though. Honest. Weally truly. *bats eyes*

[Boldido]

It's hard to give up some types of priveleges though. A little girl voice and wide eyes have gotten me more free drinks then I care to think about, heh.

I don't do that anymore though. Honest. Weally truly. *bats eyes*
And of course its sister privilege:

"If I'm a man and I get stopped for speeding, I can be reasonably assured that I'm getting that fucking ticket, no matter how short my skirt is or how good looking I am."

As for an alternative list, just a couple that spring to mind.

"If I'm a man and I get divorced, I can look forward to having to fight twice as hard for primary custody of my own children."

"If I'm a man and a victim of domestic violence, I can look forward to having my manhood called into question merely for reporting it, let alone seeking some protection from law enforcement."

[Michael P]

Like I always say, I love being a white guy. Whenever I turn on TV or movies, I can be assured that the entire world is all about me. Sure, there are those in the world who aren't white or aren't male, but they're just sidekicks, bad guys, love interests, comic relief, or other supporting characters. And who are they supporting? ME!

Man, it fuckin' rocks.
"I'm a white male, age 18 to 49! Everyone listens to me, no matter how ridiculous my ideas!"

[literally exaggerated]

I repeat:

I can ask for legal protection from violence that happens mostly to men without being seen as a selfish special interest, since that kind of violence is called "crime" and is a general social concern. (Violence that happens mostly to women is usually called "domestic violence" or "acquaintance rape," and is seen as a special interest issue.)

This makes no fucking sense whatsoever, and is loaded not only with logical fallacy but also demonstrates an astounding disconnect with the way world seems to actually work. There is no such thing as crime as a general social concern. All crimes are special interests in that they are specific, targetted in different ways and recieve more or less attention based on the demographics of the area. Nobody gives a crap about insider trading in Compton and nobody is worried about drive-by shootings in Newport Beach. In fact, domestic violence is one of the few crimes that stands as a universal interest in that it exists everywhere. And crime as a blanket term most definitely extends to domestic violence and acquaintance rape. And I don't know anyone who thinks of women who seek protection from abusive spouses as "selfish".

[heretic]

26. My wardrobe and grooming are relatively cheap and consume little time.

Isn't that a 'privilege' everyone has, especially poor people? I mean, it's a choice to spend cash on clothes and grooming.

Perhaps it would have been better phrased as: Formal or Elegant clothing will be only minimally crippling, restrictive, hobbling, and/or insuffficient; if at all.

HTG

[Boldido]

Perhaps it would have been better phrased as: Formal or Elegant clothing will be only minimally crippling, restrictive, hobbling, and/or insuffficient; if at all.

HTG

I think the grooming and clothes thing is more accurately reflected as:

"As a man I can enjoy spending little money on clothes or accessories because my male buddies really don't give a shit if my shoes match my shirt. Thank God I'm not a woman who has to worry about her own gender ripping her apart for something as stupid as wearing white after labor day. Only 10% of guys know you aren't supposed to wear white after labor day and none of those 10% give a crap."

[Nikita]

I just read a rather interesting article where a woman describes the ways in which men are privileged over women.

The article in question. (http://colours.mahost.org/org/maleprivilege.html)

The crux of the article is Number 43, however:



For the rest of the guys out there, do you take for granted the advantages you have over women in many cases?





Times have not changed that much, especially for women in certain parts of the country. Much of that list still rings true today. Sexual harrassement still goes on, violence against women, etc, etc. I think many men still take violence against women for granted.

Example, I overheard a male coworker of mine, who I used to think was fairly intelligent, tell another coworker that if a woman stays in an abusive relationship, it's no one's fault but her own and she got what she deserved. He said that...this past year. Men still making sexist, ingnorant comments like that about women...in the year 2006, proves to me how much men take their standing for granted. And how little, some men have changed.

[Nikita]

I completely agree. One of the main reasons men are still so priveledged is because women, despite all our "independence", allow it. Not only do women buy into and further certain sterotypes, but they are usually the ones to push them in the first place (particularly the "stay at home mom" one).


That's the other problem. As women, we are our own worst enemies. We may bitch about men, but man, women are BRUTAL to each other. And that continues the vicious cycle.

[Gilda Dent]

Based solely on my personal experience, most of that does seem to be true.

Gilda

[Shellhead]

Most men would be happy to trade every "privilege" on that list in exchange for the capacity for multiple orgasms. I guess the grass really does look greener on the other side of the fence.

[phoenixrising]

I think #41 is especially true: I am not expected to spend my entire life 20-40 pounds underweight

I know that it isn't usually intentional, but what many guys think is an "average sized" woman is actually an underweight woman. Women who are actually of a healthy weight are generally considered to be overweight by men. Ya'll have been spoiled to think thin is normal.

[howyadoin]

Most men would be happy to trade every "privilege" on that list in exchange for the capacity for multiple orgasms.It's not impossible for a guy...

[phoenixrising]

It's not impossible for a guy...

No,it certainly isn't. Just ask my boyfriend. He usually has more than I do.

[Gilda Dent]

It's not impossible for a guy...

Nor is it a given for a woman. Nor, for that matter, is any kind of orgasm. One in four women never or very seldom orgasm.

Gilda

[Wesley Dodds]

As a man, I've discovered you can in fact have multiple orgasms, but you have to try and uncouple your orgasm from ejaculation. It takes concentration, but it is doable. Ejaculation is the orgasm-killer, seriously.

It's worth trying once, but it takes about an hour and a lot of will-power.

[Citizen V]

Technically those are true,its a unwritten rule that men control the world and are superior to women.The only thing they have is children,and birthing.Actually if they wernt needed for the contuation of the race,i would say they would have been killed off thousands of years ago.

Its good to be a man.

[HomerJay]

I know that it isn't usually intentional, but what many guys think is an "average sized" woman is actually an underweight woman. Women who are actually of a healthy weight are generally considered to be overweight by men. Ya'll have been spoiled to think thin is normal.
Speaking for myself (as well as Forefinger & a few others):

NO THANKS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/kate-moss.jpg

BETTER
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/index_01.jpg

BEST
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/BlueShirt002.jpg

[meethraa]

44. I can rest assured that the refrigerator is where people store food, not me.

[kane]

Speaking for myself (as well as Forefinger & a few others):

NO THANKS
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/kate-moss.jpg

BETTER
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/index_01.jpg

BEST
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/HomerJay64/BlueShirt002.jpg

Hm, they are all hot, but i would take the one in the middle :D

[Grazzt]

44. I can rest assured that the refrigerator is where people store food, not me.

Jeffrey Dahmer, anyone? Although he might have kept his men in the freezer.

I actually can't think of a cannibal off hand who solely targetted women, though I'm sure they exist. Can anyone help out?

[Typo Lad]

Major Force did. it's a ref to "Women in Refrigerators"

[Grazzt]

Major Force did. it's a ref to "Women in Refrigerators"

Yeah, I realise that. I've even been to the WiR website. It just struck me as odd that I couldn't think of a real-world woman being put into a refrigerator.

[Elegance Liberty]

It's articles like this which make me hate being a woman.

'Cause after reading this, I sure as heck want to punch the writer of this in the mouth so hard... eh, you get the point.

[meethraa]

Yeah, I realise that. I've even been to the WiR website. It just struck me as odd that I couldn't think of a real-world woman being put into a refrigerator.
There was that story in Warren Ellis' Bad World. I assume the guy in question didn't eat the whole girl in one meal.

[DoubleShot]

Actually what is sad and I really didnt go into the list. But if you are a single male and in your 30's. Most people you meet tend to think you are gay, since you are single and havent settled down.

And here I thought people didn't understand me.

[K'Nort]

So just send them to http://www.brawnyacademy.com/episode1.html (Brawny Academy).