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 predetermined system where men hold the positions of power and influence and a woman’s potential to progress is limited.
How has patriarchy hurt you?
I guess that the patriarchy could be said to have stirred up feelings of inadequacy by my not fitting the popular mold of “masculinity” and having had my sexuality questioned. Quite a lot of the time I’m nervous/anxious about presenting myself as I am, to people, for fear of being rejected out of being different.
How have you hurt people in a way influenced by patriachy?
Feelings of inadequacy in a previous relationship or two have hurt the other person via my lack of self-confidence, which ultimately lead to the relationships breaking down.
How would you define masculinity?
I don’t consider any urge that any male on the planet has to be anything other than masculine.
Does misandry exist?
Yes
Have you experienced gender and/or sex related prejudice?
Yes
What best describes you?
An ally to feminism