Monday, January 30, 2017
Boy (Rewrite of "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid)
Always wear your clean button-up shirts and shined shoes; always have a clean shaven face; shave with the grain because you don't want to irritate; go to church on time and always put your faith in God; make sure everyone knows that you are in charge; never cry or show weakness; but what if I get really upset?; Suck it up and direct your pain elsewhere; find a woman who will cook and clean and raise the children right; reprimand them when needed so they know you're in charge; don't you dare cry like a little girl; always make sure you have a steady job; bring home money or else nobody will ever love you; be presentable; people won't respect you if you appear weak; sometimes you must bully to show your authority; what if they don't deserve to be bullied?; are you listening?; only bully to show power; learn to grill better than your neighbors; make sure to watch SportsCenter every night and Fox News every morning; find a wife who will satisfy all of your needs; she must be the trophy in your life; your friends mustn't have a better looking wife; she must know how to have hot meals for you after a long day at work; she must pack your lunches; don't forget about your kids, they must respect you; show authority when it comes to them; your daughter will not be as slut; your son will not be a sissy; your wife will stay home and take care of them and the house; what if my wife wants to get her own job and do what she likes?; are you telling me that after all of this you'll be the husband that can't provide for his family and lack the authority to put her in her place?
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Not many people talk about the pressure that society puts on a man, which is just as much as they put on women. Men have always been put to such ridiculously high standards. The fact that men actually raise their sons to not cry is unrealistic because it's not like it makes one any less of a man. This is perfectly written.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that, thank you. And I'm glad that I'm not the only one to be able to see past standards put in our path that are just simply ridiculous. The high standards we see are really just disgusting. Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteMen have pressure on them as they are seen as the strong ones. They are expected to support their family and hide what they are really feeling inside. The blog shows how men and women have the same pressures as society expects something from both of them such as cleaning the house or working a job. Both have high standards that need to be met for people to fit in with the group.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this from the viewpoint of a man. Just like girls, men are pressured also. They are pressured to be the strongest and most hard-working without letting their emotions get to them. But both men and women are pressured by society with their specific gender roles. Imagine a world where everyone could freely live their own lives the way that they want to without judgement. This was a very well-written story that can easily get you thinking.
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