Contrary to past traditions, the upbringing of males with feminine traits has developed into a rising custom. Similar to feminist’s movement toward independence from men, parents now want to raise their sons free from dependency on women. However, instilling feminine behaviorisms in sons goes against society’s norm. As Gloria Steinem correctly identifies, parents must have courage in order to raise a son with feminine characteristics, as a result of society’s stereotypes and set gender views.
The idea of males displaying feminine traits challenges society’s idea of a “manly man”. In “Being a Man”, Theroux indicates that men with occupations such as writing, “[have] been at pains to prove [their] manliness”. Although his argument my not be …show more content…
This is due to men’s ability to remain “unmarked” as Tannen describes in “There is No Unmarked Woman”. Feminists view man’s ability to be “unmarked” as an advantage; however, it is actually the downfall of raising a son with feminine behaviorisms. When a son is raised in this way, he becomes “marked”. This results in the son standing apart from the majority of “unmarked” males. Consequently, a son may become alienated from various groups and sects. The vast majority of parents would rather their child fit in then be a loner or outcast. For this reason alone, it must take courage to raise a son in a manner that would ultimately set him up to be separate. When women began to distinguish themselves as writers they had to overcome what Woolf labeled as the “Angel in the House”. The “Angel in the House” is a voice of conscience that tries to subtly persuade itself that one should not go against the common idea of society. Woolf adds, “Had I not killed [The Angel in the House], she would have killed me.” The battle for sons that are raised as daughters would not only take place outwardly, but on the inside as well. A son may begin to question why he is different from everyone else and why he cannot fit in. For example, a son rose cooking and doing the housework may not understand why the other kids his age work in the yard. Other areas in his life may be of question too, and might
The idea of males displaying feminine traits challenges society’s idea of a “manly man”. In “Being a Man”, Theroux indicates that men with occupations such as writing, “[have] been at pains to prove [their] manliness”. Although his argument my not be …show more content…
This is due to men’s ability to remain “unmarked” as Tannen describes in “There is No Unmarked Woman”. Feminists view man’s ability to be “unmarked” as an advantage; however, it is actually the downfall of raising a son with feminine behaviorisms. When a son is raised in this way, he becomes “marked”. This results in the son standing apart from the majority of “unmarked” males. Consequently, a son may become alienated from various groups and sects. The vast majority of parents would rather their child fit in then be a loner or outcast. For this reason alone, it must take courage to raise a son in a manner that would ultimately set him up to be separate. When women began to distinguish themselves as writers they had to overcome what Woolf labeled as the “Angel in the House”. The “Angel in the House” is a voice of conscience that tries to subtly persuade itself that one should not go against the common idea of society. Woolf adds, “Had I not killed [The Angel in the House], she would have killed me.” The battle for sons that are raised as daughters would not only take place outwardly, but on the inside as well. A son may begin to question why he is different from everyone else and why he cannot fit in. For example, a son rose cooking and doing the housework may not understand why the other kids his age work in the yard. Other areas in his life may be of question too, and might