The Male Privilege Checklist.
January 23, 2013
The following is a list compiled by a blogger named Barry Deutsch.
His list looks at how men are the privileged gender of our world. In his preface he states:
“Pointing out that men are privileged in no way denies that bad things happen to men. Being privileged does not mean men are given everything in life for free; being privileged does not mean that men do not work hard, do not suffer. In many cases – from a boy being bullied in school, to a soldier dying in war – the sexist society that maintains male privilege also does great harm to boys and men.
In the end, however, it is men and not women who make the most money; men and not women who dominate the government and the corporate boards; men and not women who dominate virtually all of the most powerful positions of society. And it is women and not men who suffer the most from intimate violence and rape; who are the most likely to be poor; who are, on the whole, given the short end of patriarchy’s stick.”
Whenever there are arguments about equality, there are always men who talk about how many men get the short end of the stick (a comment in response to this list does this).
We know that it’s true. But the (sometimes mortifying) obstacles women face – especially the more exposed or on-show they are – far, far outweigh those of men. Most times the injustices men face…come from other men.
So here it is:
Of course, I’m sure, there will be some points you may not agree with, but I have personally experienced quite a few of the inequalities listed because of my gender.
No longer is it some unspoken, secret boys’ club – feeding the dog of sexism under the table – it’s now infiltrated into our representation in all corners of the media; teaching a whole new ‘connected’ generation, with a reach that has, up until now, been unfathomable.
…and it’s working very, very, well.
Just look around. It’s an emergency.
Question #139: How do we turn around such entrenched perceptions and practices?
Guys?
Deep Breath.
x
Questions for Us 
Hi there, Paula. I have another link for you. I think it definitely shows the uphill battle we face as women since women are the ones who promote the degradation of their dignity. http://catholicexchange.com/theology-of-the-body-vs-50-shades-of-grey/
And, although I agree with you that men have more physical power in money and muscle, I would say that women have a tremendous amount of privilege that is not the same as men’s but perhaps just as powerful, and I see women abuse their power daily.
I am sort of hesitant to get into who has more privilege and who needs to give what up. I would rather try to find ways to build bridges and mutually benefit from the gifts that men and women have together. They just need to learn how to communicate better. The only reason I say that is because I see how an intense hatred of men has ended up being an intense hatred for all humanity, which has led to a sharp rise in male suicide and other sorts of nihilistic behaviors.
Thank you for the thought-provoking article!
No worries! 😉
I’ve been noticing a shift in my perception – more and more – that there’s no real ‘man’ or ‘woman’ – just a human being.
There is only ONE way a man must be a man and a woman must be a woman – and that is to physically conceive a child. No way around it.
After that every possible mix of person exists as balance/nature provides – from boyish girls to girlish boys; from passive aggressive to aggressive to angels from heaven (like you and me ;)) money/no money…
Why are there labels? They cause everything to be boxed in + create badly, skewing behavioural patterns. Everyone’s clutching at labels – obsessively.
I agree with you – you can’t ‘divide’ everything up to see who’s worse – BOTH sexes are to ‘blame’ for all that’s happening. In different ways – because we ARE different – but still equal in contribution.
The most annoying part of all of this is that even with our intelligence and strength, we still find ourselves in a less equal position in life.
Soooo frustrating!
People’s silence (especially those who live their lives as dictated by the media) and in-action means this is not improving anytime soon. There are louder voices, but not enough change.
Thanks so much, Juliet! x
(I did an article on Shades. Terrible book…I haven’t read it, but have read about it.)
Take care.
P x
Oh, I must have missed your Shades article. When did you write it? I wasn’t able to read much for a few months there. I would like to see it.
Agreed on the obsessive need to label everyone. That is something that really bothers me, too.
Hope…well you are probably ending your day, so hope you had a good day.
🙂
Unfortunately, it’s going to be a few trying months. My husband, playing soccer, was very badly injured on Wed night. His opponent’s kick (aiming for the ball) ended up kicking under hubby’s foot. It slammed his ankle into his tibia (making it mash) and then sent a crack up the tibia midway up, fracturing it badly. It’s a horrible injury. He’ll be in hospital for two weeks (going through two operations) and then won’t be able to put his foot to ground for 3 months.
We were due to fly out next Saturday to Uruguay, our country of birth, to see family (his family really, mine are all here). He’s gutted.
Life has sent us a firm king hit – I’m trying to be strong for everyone.
Of course I know that there a zillion worse situations than ours and I am grateful knowing that it can always be worse.
Sorry – went on a bit. It’s been a few trying days.
To get back on topic, I wrote the post on Shades on Dec 10.
Lots of love to you.
Paula x
Oh, Paula! I am sorry to hear about that. OUCH! That sounds extremely painful. Your poor husband. I will pray for your strength and patience and for his healing if that’s all right with you. Thank you for giving me the date on Shades. I will look into it.
Take care.
Safe travels.
You are in my thoughts…
I was raised as a Catholic through my schooling – Primary though to High School (just not at home) so a bit of prayer is good with me!
Thank you so much.
We had to cancel the trip. The rehab is going to be long and difficult. 😦
It had been 8 years since we last went to Uruguay. Very expensive.
I am so glad you are patient with me and my misreads. You had planned on going but can’t now that he is injured. Got it:( And, you are in my prayers:) God bless…
Thank you, darlin’
🙂