Valentines day is nothing more than an floral industry driven day where we exercise that God given right to paternalistic behavior toward women. There are very few, if any, national commercials geared toward gifts to men. They rely solely on sapping males well being on that day, through commercials and the like that imply a male's obligation to buy his favorite female a gift. The diamond commercials are everywhere, but none of them suggest a diamond, or anything for the man in your life.
Once again, another platform for a double standard in America. If women are equal, why aren't they subject to the same relentless efforts to extract money from them, as are males on Valentines Day and on Sweetest Day?
I'm sure if I brought this subject up in mixed company, there would be a mixture of emotions, but for the most part, there would be that uncomfortable feeling, when the realization of this double standard surfaced. We don't like to think about or acknowledge the double standard working thorough this holiday. Sadly, I've not even heard mention of any movement individually or collectively by women, in opposition to the double standard.
Happy Valentines Day for Women!
3 comments:
Are you married?
I'm not really sure what the state of matrimony, as is " being married or not married" has to do with anything.
If this is to imply that men who are married have no choice but to buy their wives gifts, and women don't have any obligation to return the thoughtfulness- what is this? This seems crazy to me. I just don't comprehend this type of thing.
I believe that if you expect generosity of spirit, however it appropriates itself, such generosity is nonselfish and genuine. That doesn't require a formalized 'gender'.
To put it mildly. women need to stand up to the plate and stop expecting males to always pleasure them in the form of gifts.
If this is an equal society, why is it that males always end up with
shallow pockets, in their feeble attempt to satisfy the emotional needs of females, through material objects?
Chris, Thanks for visiting again. I'm going to be changing platforms and going with "Wordpress." I've been away from both my blogs for some time. I'm returning and intend to devote considerable time to them.
On your comment, which I do appreciate. Like Barack says, it's okay to disagree, no one has all the answers.
I do however want make this point..
yes, women are indeed the focus of advertising, but such advertising is geared toward products that benefit females. When is the last time that you saw an oft repeated or advertisement ongoing program in any category that sought out "women" to buy products for "men".
It just doesn't happen Chris. I'm really surprised at how many men just accept this double standard in our society. It happens not just at Valentines day, but is endemic in our society.
When is there ever a discount on anything when "men" are involved. Men are always expected to dole out, but just to stand back and receive nothing, owing to "gender."
Come on guy, you know this is a double standard. If men experienced some of the outright preferences given to women, and women were on the short end of the deal, you could darn well know there would be hell to pay.
The shame of it is, women themselves, for the most part pay little attention to the issue. They expect men to buy and patronize them. What does this say, for equality..It says.
"It's all right that you(women) want to be treated as co-equals in life. That's fine, and as it should be, but equal treatment implies that you to( women) have an obligation to do likewise".
My lady thinks it's abhorrent that women are patronized by men so much, while little regard is given
to equal treatment of males.
Is there a mans night out at the local pub or club?
Are males given reduced fees as are women to entice them to a variety of activities?
Why is "Mother's day so mush more advertised and given a more implicit value than Father's day?
In divorce proceedings, why is it primarily the man who gets racked over the coals in the form of "alimony and property rights?
Why do women receive custody of children in a divorce, far greater than the man?
I'll tell you why.Men are devalued in our society and it will continue that way until males stop the ridiculous patronizing of females, based upon custom and the perceived need for sex( come on, you know it's true)
I know very well the roots of this patronization and the cultural anthropology. which dates the male as hunter and provider. That scape is antiquated and in fact demeans the contribution of women.They are not weak and they are not helpless, therefore men need to stop the demonstrative behavior; it reeks of a double standard at play.
This has everything to do with caring and love toward another, whether it be male or female. That caring should manifest itself in behaviors that value both sexes.
well if i got you riled up...take a look at some of the posts on my other blog.This one deals with male issues. I started it because my travels have taken me to different cultures, and men are weak at communicating with each other. Find out why on my most recent post.
www.theconflictedmale.com
Thanks again, hope to hear back from you.
Chuck
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