You sent me all these great texts and then ignore them when they don't show what you said they would. Being a straight nerd does not in fact put Aaronson in one of the least privileged classes in society. It's not actually misandry for men to be criticized for common bad behaviors justified by an ancient system. I'm sorry that it's hard on men to internalize the lessons of the anti-racism, anti-sexism, and queer liberation movements. Imagine being a rich person hearing "billionaires suck" while you're writing a check to charity on your private jet. That must feel like a slap in the face.
When you say it hurts to hear "men suck" my flippant response is "Have you tried not sucking?" If you have and were successful, then feel free to ignore any men-sucks coming your way. That's what I do. I don't know what else you're asking then that men's behavior just not be critiqued, or only ever be critiqued in a completely dispassionate way that ignores the dynamics of women's suffering and recovery. Do you get upset when an abused dog acts skittish or barks around you? Do you think the dog is being anti-human for not immediately realizing you're one of the good ones? How is trust regained once broken?
Why are we comparing being socially awkward to being gay or a woman? Because we're each lower-status in society? Because nerds defy certain social expectations for manliness like gay men do? Ok. But one can get over being social awkward, one can gain confidence, and put work into building skills for reciprocal relationships; but you can't get over being a woman or a fag. Refactoring unworkable notions of manliness sounds like it would be of benefit to nerds, women, and queers.
If you're suggesting we need a movement to help men figure out their way in a changing society, then I'm all for it. I was member of one myself back in the nineties. There are many ways men suffer under patriarchy and much work that has already been outlined. Paternity rights, anti-circumcision, domestic violence and sexual assault resources for men... If you were to start a men's organization, what would it look like and what would you work on?
When you say it hurts to hear "men suck" my flippant response is "Have you tried not sucking?" If you have and were successful, then feel free to ignore any men-sucks coming your way. That's what I do. I don't know what else you're asking then that men's behavior just not be critiqued, or only ever be critiqued in a completely dispassionate way that ignores the dynamics of women's suffering and recovery. Do you get upset when an abused dog acts skittish or barks around you? Do you think the dog is being anti-human for not immediately realizing you're one of the good ones? How is trust regained once broken?
Why are we comparing being socially awkward to being gay or a woman? Because we're each lower-status in society? Because nerds defy certain social expectations for manliness like gay men do? Ok. But one can get over being social awkward, one can gain confidence, and put work into building skills for reciprocal relationships; but you can't get over being a woman or a fag. Refactoring unworkable notions of manliness sounds like it would be of benefit to nerds, women, and queers.
If you're suggesting we need a movement to help men figure out their way in a changing society, then I'm all for it. I was member of one myself back in the nineties. There are many ways men suffer under patriarchy and much work that has already been outlined. Paternity rights, anti-circumcision, domestic violence and sexual assault resources for men... If you were to start a men's organization, what would it look like and what would you work on?