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?
The structures and norms of society being defined by powerful men over a long period of time, resulting in a male-dominated society and a lot of unconscious male-skews (language, work etc.).
How has patriarchy hurt you?
It mostly hasn’t. The only things I can think of are things that I do that I might not talk about in certain circles for fear of being seen as ‘un-masculine’.
How have you hurt people in a way influenced by patriachy?
Unconsciously giving men more of a say in work environments. Assuming that a man is the right person to work on a certain project because that project is related to a ‘masculine’ theme.
How would you define masculinity?
Badly. A lot of the words that I thought about choosing could just as easily apply to women. I was going to say ‘self-assuredness’ and ‘confidence’ and things like that. I think that’s just because those are traits that I’d like to see more of in myself and I think of myself as masculine. Dunno!
Does misandry exist?
Maybe
Have you experienced gender and/or sex related prejudice?
Only in a way that has advantaged me
What best describes you?
A feminist