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it was when I figured out that misogynists and racists were the same people that I really began my road to overcoming my "southern upbringing". I had been an early feminist...
And yes, it does all go back to that white male supremacist (heterosexual) patriarchy mindset that is so pervasive in the world. I blame religion for a lot of it. :(
My oldest son is planning to be a professional ballet dancer, and I think I've finally figured out why men have such a hard time with men doing "ballet". I mean, it is waaaaaaay more athletic that most sports, and the attire is no more revealing than football pants or wrestling togs or swim trunks...
No - what it is, is this. Traditionally - women have been the main characters. Men showcase them, support them, lift them. They're not "THE" Dancer. (that is changing, though.) I think it's just that because women get top billing (as opposed to being a "cheerleader for the man") that men have problems with this. Women aren't supposed to be more important! Men are always supposed to be THE most important thing, ever. Manly men, of course! and manly men don't play second fiddle to no little woman!!
I highly recommend dance classes for all boys. Not only is it some of the best training your body can get for any sport you ever want to do, it helps boys to see girls as equals. To treat them as PARTNERS and not some scantily clad "thing" just there for the males' enjoyment. It takes away a lot of the taboo mystery, too. My boys are very comfortable with girls and has always had females as FRIENDS as well as boys. They don't understand that whole "oooooooooo" thing most people have about boys and girls together.
Real men aren't afraid to be people...
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