Post: #1

Here is a link to an article that reports a recent speech by the veteran MP Diane Abbott. She is a long term Labour (left wing) MP from Hackney in East London so it's not like anything got given to her on a plate.

I think that article raises some valid points in modern society that we forum members also feel (i.e. consumerism over providing).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013/...smo-abbott

Post: #2

That's a fairly interesting article - you could generate more hits with a better title.

Regardless, it reads like a common left-wing diatribe about men - hell, I could see a conservative make a similar speech, sans the misogyny.

However, the stressing of misogyny, homophobia and machismo is problematic. Her emphasis of misogyny means sees women's problems are more important than men's. She does mention economic problems and that men need to be more gainfully employed. I agree with that. However, she frames her argument that men don't consider what it means to be a man and just double-down on "hypermasculinity." She ignores class, which I will touch on when I discuss machismo. Really, her argument is a typical feminist screed - if only men would grow up and join hands in their gender utopia - they would be happy to attend antenatal classes with their wives. Oh yeah, the economy is really bad for young men. Howver, don't self medicate with Jack Daniels, porn or pursuing purely sexual relationships with women.

Homophobia? What she really means is anger towards homosexuals. I understand it on some level - in the US we spend way too much fighting over gay marriage. It's the economy, stupid! Homosexuals get way too much attention. With all the problems young men face, it is unfair that we have to listen to more gay people problems that center around their inability to have their relationships cosigned by the government.

As for machismo, she really is talking out her ass. First off, she never talks about how women respond to this "machismo." Hell, to a woman like her, just showing strong body language would probably register as hypermasculine. However, she ignores class. When I grew up in a poor community, the sorts of dudes who cleaned up are about as rough-hewn as you can get. I had a couple friends who struggled getting laid in high school that went on to clean up with city girls. They just weren't "tough" enough for the women. Most importantly, what is the real incentive for these macho men to change? If they are getting laid, sorry, there is no way you are going to convince to change. As for low-class betas using porn and drugs - really, what is the incentive? They get rep points from feminists?

In the end, it is not about helping men, it is about propping feminist's egos and parent's egos. They need to know that it is not their fault young men are falling apart. Isn't that part of the problem?

Post: #3

I must admit I would have to agree with your points there. My dismay on this issue is the way Western society as a whole is consumerist which only really helps the companies selling their stuff. The recent post 'Patricia' s Smartphone' just about sums it up really, having the latest smartphone is more important than developing real human social interaction.

I will pledge to improve the impact of my post titles in the future.