Quote from: Fae on July 23, 2009, 07:46:20 PM
I agree with Nero, and I'd like to expand on what he said.
Patriarchy. Modern Western Society is made up of men, for men, and by men. Men rule everything just about. Anyone who aspires to masculine qualities is admired as a supporter of this kind of society, and is revered for "being a good sheep" by upholding the social norm. A woman in a suit is a perfect example, as she may be saying that she accepts masculinity, and in turn, accepts being dominated by a patriarchal society.
Feminine qualities, however, are despised. They are seen as a threat to the system, and anyone exhibiting these qualities are shunned, attacked, harassed, and bullied back in line and forced to accept the social standard. Therefore, a man dressing as a woman is seen as a threat, because it goes against the social norm and somehow "threatens" the patriarchal order of male dominance.
Men are valued. A woman can act feminine, because that is accepted, but may not necessarily be valued. However, if she dresses and acts as a man, she is honored. Women are not valued, because in a patriarchal society they are seen as less than men. Therefore, if a man acts as a woman, it is seen as an ultimate betrayal of the society, because he is rejecting his supposed masculinity.
Isn't Feminism fun? 
I like what you said but something about it just doesn't sit well.
My mother picked up a hammer and nails when she was 22, back in the late 70s, just as the feminist movement was picking up serious steam and causing men everywhere to get pissed off. She endured twenty years of BS, harassment, discrimination and discouragement in the face of a culture that was an absolute bastion of masculinity. Now, for the past five years, she's been a coordinator and in upper management of the California carpenter's union. She plays golf with the big shots. She is one of very few women to be at that level in this country.
And despite being aggressive, strong willed, ambitious, tough and willing to get her hands dirty, she is still one of the most feminine women I have ever known. Wears skirts to work, takes care of her hair and nails, is a total blonde sometimes, and has not once, throughout her entire career, sacrificed her femininity in the name of progress or ambition within a patriarchal structure. She is very accepting and gentle, and completely ruthless when it comes to enforcing equality, good behavior and tolerance in the workplace (that being construction yards in this case).
Everyone is a mix of masculine and feminine traits. I think the best of us take the most positive aspects from either side and make them our own. I hope to be just like her someday, in my chosen field, which does happen to be completely dominated by men. I want to see how high I can climb, compete with the men, and at the same time, be one-hundred percent woman. Whether I'm wearing slacks or skirts. Just depends on my mood.
Fire, determination and aggressiveness in defending principles does not make you a man. Women, historically, have been some of the most ruthlessly violent and vicious rulers or warriors. A female's tenacity in defending her home or her family is legendary, the brutality sometimes even becoming infamous.
Feminine energy is very powerful, and can be very, very intimidating to men. So you're right... a woman just wearing suits and acting like a guy won't threaten men much. But a woman wearing skirts and earrings and speaking with power and authority in her voice? That scares the bejesus out of them, and makes them feel pretty threatened. Feminism is too often associated with submission and weakness. Incorrectly so.
Now, back on topic... the problem with men wearing women's clothing, well... it's just a matter of aesthetics, most of the time. I've seen plenty of metrosexual guys who wear extremely feminine clothes (hell, just look at the fops of the 16th and 17th centuries) and command a lot of respect and confidence, in men and women. I think the line gets drawn at skirts and heels. Reason being, those were pretty much designed for the female form. A guy wearing those just flat out doesn't look right. Kilts and boots are another story, of course.
As far as I'm concerned, in this day and age, a man or woman can dress however they want, as long as they know how to dress. As long as they are dressing well, and flattering their features, rather than just making some silly, rebellious statement. No one is going to care overmuch.
On either line, bad dressers get mocked.
