Diane Abbott to warn of British 'masculinity crisis'

[spacial]

There is a "crisis of masculinity in Britain" because of the pressures rapid economic and social change have placed on masculine identity, shadow health minister Diane Abbott is to claim.

In a speech on Thursday, Ms Abbott will warn a generation of men are in transit and unclear of their social role.

They are also under pressure to live up to "pornified ideals", with Viagra becoming a party drug, she will say.

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'Hyper-masculinity'

During the talk, Ms Abbott will highlight research by the Men's Health Forum, a charity which aims to tackle male health inequalities, which suggests that men are more likely to take their own lives than women, have lower educational attainment at all levels of the education system, are more likely to be homeless, and are less likely to access NHS services.

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To tackle this "masculinity crisis" she will call for a strengthened role for fathers in family life, with father-friendly parenting classes, meaningful parental leave for men and more conversations between fathers and sons about manhood.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22530184

[Beth Andrea]

This was a topic in the US, as well...until 9/11. Then I saw more than one picture in the papers, with basically a headline that read, "A Return to Men", celebrating big, strong, husky guys who can do fireman-type stuff, and yes, eventually even soldiering...

Propaganda works wonders. Those who wanted a feminization of society to begin with (liberals, leftists, feminists) , did it with propaganda. Conservatives have always been very weak with it, imho. If/when you see it in the papers...better get ready for a war that's about to happen.

[spacial]

I was aware of the issue being raised but had no knowledge of it apart from that Beth.

For a number of reasons. I'm actually quite worried about this.

Firstly, Abbot has a history of resentful and confrontation politics. Feminism and other divisive issues are often her beef.

I'm very concerned about her claim that, somehow, emphasising the role of fathers in families should be encouraged.

Many families don't have fathers.

A father who is abusive, mean or just weak isn't likely to get much better.

But more, I suggest the issue is the emphasis our societies place upon Alpha. Especially alpha male, but alpha female as well. The emphasis essentially says that achieving anything less than Alpha is failure. Seeking or desiring anything less than Alpha is weak.

Alpha will, by definition, always be a tiny minority. It is achieved through personality, intelligence and character. Too often we see those clearly unsuited for alpha, compensating with aggression, threats, deceit, nastiness and violence.

I suggest it's perfectly masculine to be gay. It's perfectly masculine to be feminine. It's perfectly masculine to be sensitive, caring and kind.

Be really interested to hear other perspectives on this.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

 fathers are vastly underappreciated in families.  They are largely seen as providers but should not be making decisions providing care or be allowed around children.  Having been a 'man'  at parents groups I have experienced first hand the hostility to any male being involved in care.  It is about time we got over gender stereotyping in this respect. Promote fathers yes please.  Some families don't have mothers it doesn't mean we shouldn't value them,  some families don't have parents who can read so shall we not promote reading with your child?

[Beth Andrea]

fathers are vastly underappreciated in families.  They are largely seen as providers but should not be making decisions providing care or be allowed around children.  Having been a 'man'  at parents groups I have experienced first hand the hostility to any male being involved in care.  It is about time we got over gender stereotyping in this respect. Promote fathers yes please.  Some families don't have mothers it doesn't mean we shouldn't value them,  some families don't have parents who can read so shall we not promote reading with your child?

That's just what my ex said to me, when I asked her what it was about me that made her love me..."You're a good provider" was all that she could come up with. 

And on the one hand, men aren't supposed to get too close to the kids...but if we don't get close enough, we're "not a good father". Where is acceptable? And why do men let women tell them what should and should not be done? Women are just as likely to be abusive as men are, imho.

[spacial]

I do understand those points.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

[Pica Pica]

It doesn't look to me like she will say the crisis is that men are becoming feminised or demasculinised, nor do I think she is saying being less than an Alpha male is wrong. I think it sounds more like she is going to say that there needs to be some useful thing to do with all the Alpha and Wannabe-Alpha men cluttering the place up.

[spacial]

It doesn't look to me like she will say the crisis is that men are becoming feminised or demasculinised, nor do I think she is saying being less than an Alpha male is wrong. I think it sounds more like she is going to say that there needs to be some useful thing to do with all the Alpha and Wannabe-Alpha men cluttering the place up.

I confess I have a terrible thought. But I'll keep it to myself.

[kira21 ♡♡♡]

No don't keep it to yourself! It is an issue that could be damaging but could be good. Its a fine line.

[StellaB]

Well what do you expect when you sell off almost all your industry to foreign investors, leave your culture and sport to the mercy of the private sector, remain aloof to ever widening divisions of social class and do whatever is necessary to absolve yourself of all social responsibility?

[spacial]

The issue was discussed on the Wright Stuff this morning.

When I can, I'll try to record the section and post it as a file from our private area, as previously done.