Turning Goys into Girls

I decided to respond to an article I read last week for the iRead essay, Turning Goys into Girls, by Michelle Cottle. After reading this article again with past knowledge about the author’s claim I do believe that men are just as insecure as women now and Men’s Health magazine brings men’s insecurities to view.  Many beauty products are now focused on men because now they are a target, not just women. Women have always worried about their waistline, how many wrinkles they have, and how they can get rid of thunder thighs. Men seem to be worried about the same things. At the gym I see mainly males because looking fit is a masculine trait. Many reality shows feature men getting faces masks and manicures. The Jersey Shore is a great example of the change in men. The men on that show go tanning, work out every day, and take hours to get ready much like most girls. Flipping through a men’s magazine there is hardly anything but weight loss plans, articles on how to look younger, and ways to get women in bed. If you compare men 50 years ago to men today, they have completely changed. Men are no longer the main bread winners, rough, and dirty. They are much more feminine, concerned with appearance, and wishing they looked younger.  I completely agree with all of the authors’ claims and I see now after eleven years since she wrote this article her points are even more relevant. I also agree with her statement that men are now more appearance conscious because of the threat of women in the workforce and because a suave, clean-cut, fit, and young man is the definition of a successful businessman today.  I like the idea that the playing field for men and women is becoming more equal, but I hope that men do not lose their sense of masculinity.        

Spread the Word to End the Word

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever stopped to think about the words you use every day? More importantly have you thought about how the words you use affect other people? Do you use the word Retard or Retarded frequently and how do you use it?

               The words “Retard” or “Retarded” are used incorrectly everywhere I seem to go whether it is ICC or out shopping. These words are often used to describe someone who is acting “stupid” when they do not have any intellectual disabilities. When used in this way, the R-word can be applied to anyone. Even though it is not directed to a person who is mentally impaired, it is still hurtful. When saying the R-word, what you really mean is that he or she is as stupid as a person with intellectual disabilities. The impression is that the only characteristic of mental impaired individuals is their stupidity.

               Many of us belong to a certain group, but do you remember a time when you were alienated from your group? Do you remember how you felt at the time? Now think about society treating you this way because you are different. Try having the word “Retard” stamped on your forehead for the rest of your life. Retard is a word of HATE. I understand that it is much easier to go along with what other people say and spread the hate, but I am asking you to stand up against it. There is a campaign called Spread the Word to End the Word to stop people from using retard in a derogatory manner. You can go to their website to pledge to stop using the word retard, www.r-word.org. This issue and campaign is very dear to my heart because on May 14^th my baby cousin, Sydney, was born with Down’s syndrome. She is a beautiful and happy baby that we are lucky to have in our lives, but I know there are people out there that will make fun of her when she is older. I cannot be with her every day to protect her, but if you pledge to not use these words and tell others to as well, this can be a start to a more accepting world she can grow up in.