What is your opinion about this statement about men?

Question

" A woman simply is, but a man must become. Masculinity is risky and elusive. It is achieved by a revolt from woman, and it is confirmed only by other men." < Camille Paglia as quoted on Masculine Virtues site. >

Camille Paglia has commented that she believes that women are born, but men must "become". In other words, masculinity is not something that is granted by birth but is something that must be earned in adult life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masculine_psychology#Born_of_the_female_body

Answer 1

Feels true to me. I don't know about risky, but elusive, yes. It is more defined as a rejection of feminine-self. The part about being confirmed only by other men is dead on.

Answer 2

I think that Camille Paglia should get a life for herself!!! She is obviously a feminist. I am old fashioned and believe that men have been pampered from birth but eventually grow up to be fine people once they are taught. Women have been known to be attentive to man's needs from the beginning and it is still that way in most cultures. Both men and women are equal but have differing roles to perform in society. Yes, even today, women are known as nurturing. Go to a woman who is the president of a large organization and you will note that she had to work twice as hard to achieve that position as a man; yet, she is still considered different to a man in the same position. Attend a meeting with mixed genders and you automatically note that the men do not treat a woman the same as they do other men in the meeting. Both men and woman strive today to be equal. Thank you for your question.

Answer 3

I don't agree. I think that it is true that some men desire to be masculine, maybe most, but definately not all. Women can be very ambitious, in many ways, one of which is social position. This would make the "confirmed by others" true for some women as well. Humans are bio-culteral creatures and many thing come into play when theorizing about identity. This type of over-simplified pop social-psychology is nice at parties, but holds little weight. Women can be masculine, men can be feminine and can live healthy happy lives. Watch out for blanket statements. Thanks for the question.

Answer 4

I fully agree. A man has to learn how to be a man, usually by their fathers, but sometimes by a father figure, and if they don't break ties with their mother, (a revolt from women) then they never fully grow up. I mean, they reach a point where she doesn't run their life anymore, and they go off on their own. That's a necessary step into manhood.

Answer 5

I disagree with it ultimately because a man decides for himself when he is a man. At that point, when he is no longer concerned with what other men think of him he reaches a point of maturity which can only come from within. I will say that society tends to impose certain expectations on men but again, growth comes from experience not only of the world but of ones own mind.

Answer 6

i think it would be that way for everyone. in a sense, we are all born as men and women, but it depends on how we are raised and our environment for how we will ultimately "become". some women are raised to be more feminine, others have a more masculine upbringing, vice versa for men. i don't think there should be a stereotype for both sexes. that is a bit old fashioned for today's standards! ;-)

Answer 7

There is some truth to that. I judge my life mostly on the things I have done, not what I own or who I am.

Answer 8

So, you are saying that a man is only a man if he is deemed so by other men? It's a guy thing.... I don't think so. I think manliness is an innate thing.

Answer 9

That's changing but generally ture.

What do you think about this one:

Men need a place and women need a reason?

Answer 10

I agree. Notice it says "confirmed by other men." "Confirmed" doesn't mean "determined." So, it comes from within, but it is celebrated by others.