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?
Blokes are mainly running things. Sometimes they let women have a go, but not for long.
How has patriarchy hurt you?
I’m expected to be one of the blokes, strong, certain, ‘in control’ yet many times I feel anything but.
How have you hurt people in a way influenced by patriachy?
I often act like a dick as a father, trying to be in charge, then feel shit afterwards. It’s depressing & I get depressed.
How would you define masculinity?
That’s a hard one, excuse the phallic pun. Negatively it’s men acting like dicks, throwing their weight & power around, & reaping the rewards & instilling fear in those ‘below’ us. Positively it’s applying our strength & power & love to the common good.
Does misandry exist?
Yes
But to be honest it’d be weird if it didn’t
Have you experienced gender and/or sex related prejudice?
Yes
It’s all around me, all the time. It advantages me but I can suffer disadvantage too. It’s bloody complicated.
What best describes you?
An egalitarian