About the show: Dave Pickering takes us on a personal journey through gender as he tries to explain masculinity both to you and to himself. Part true storytelling, part TED talk and part apology, the show looks at how the patriarchy hurts men too; how the patriarchy has hurt him, and how he has hurt people because of patriarchy. Drawing on an anonymous survey of 1000 men, feminist theory, internet memes and his life experience, Dave will explain the conclusions he Read More ...
Introduction to the survey I don’t think this survey is representative of all men. To a certain extent, it’s a survey of feminist-leaning men. The initial respondents came generally from that POV, and as the survey grew, it was mostly shared by feminists. That said, it does represent many other viewpoints. For example, there were a few hundred in a row where it was mostly being filled in by Men’s Rights Activists. But whatever their starting point, the men filling in the survey had Read More ...
Does patriarchy exist?
Yes
How would you define patriarchy?
A societal system that places men as above women, and in a broader sense, men as well under a hierarchy of masculinity
How has patriarchy hurt you?
Feeling sad for being queer, not having a strong body shape, feeling unwanted and unloveable for both of those
How have you hurt people in a way influenced by patriachy?
Thinking that insults, in your face attitude, aggressiveness, not taking no for an answer, were good traits
How would you define masculinity?
A societal constrict of what defines the essence of a man – traits valuing money making, strength, promiscuity and constantly ready sex life, willing to fight, hatred of softness, etc.
Does misandry exist?
No
Assuming we’re talking systemically
Have you experienced gender and/or sex related prejudice?
Only in a way that has advantaged me
What best describes you?
A feminist
I think Feminist Ally and Feminist work both here, since I personally consider it kind of a pedantic, but for those who would prefer to use Feminist Ally I’d say I qualify as that – arguing closer to Womanist (Ally)