Boys do this; girls do that
I keep a bunch of dating and relationships blogs in my RSS reader, to keep me abreast of what's going on on the Internets. This article is a prime example of why I frequent some sites more than others.
The article, on iVillage's Web site and taken from askmen.com, lists the "12 Things Men Should Do But Don't." Not only is the list a pile of god-awful cliches (they don't follow recipes, don't read instructions, don't do laundry properly), but then offers explanations for us poor, exasperated women and nice little "I told you so" reasons why men should do them.
Articles like these burn me up because they break men and women (and relationships) into staid gender roles stereotypes that can also turn into those mini-arguments that pick at a relationship (Men don't do laundry well; that's why the girlfriend/wife should do it. Men don't follow directions; that's why I have to check up on you every two minutes to make sure we're going the right way.). Nevermind that there are plenty of women who don't use coupons (No. 1), who don't get regular checkups (No. 2), who don't maintain their stuff (No. 4) and who don't act oblivious to big breasts (No. 12). I'm one of them.
Check out the list and tell me what you think. Am I in a tizzy over nothing?
The article, on iVillage's Web site and taken from askmen.com, lists the "12 Things Men Should Do But Don't." Not only is the list a pile of god-awful cliches (they don't follow recipes, don't read instructions, don't do laundry properly), but then offers explanations for us poor, exasperated women and nice little "I told you so" reasons why men should do them.
Articles like these burn me up because they break men and women (and relationships) into staid gender roles stereotypes that can also turn into those mini-arguments that pick at a relationship (Men don't do laundry well; that's why the girlfriend/wife should do it. Men don't follow directions; that's why I have to check up on you every two minutes to make sure we're going the right way.). Nevermind that there are plenty of women who don't use coupons (No. 1), who don't get regular checkups (No. 2), who don't maintain their stuff (No. 4) and who don't act oblivious to big breasts (No. 12). I'm one of them.
Check out the list and tell me what you think. Am I in a tizzy over nothing?
Comments
I couldn’t agree with you more. Instituting gender roles are anti-progress. The existence of gender roles causes further frustration when in the confines of a homosexual relationship, as many gay people feel that people should adopt a purely male or female role. It’s very sad.
Posted by: PhillyPhile | November 13, 2007 2:59 PM
Only two things on that list apply to me. Coupons and Checkups. The rest I do...and quite well. I can out cook a lot of the women I know. I've done more laundry than old chinese stereotype, the directions thing...well that fits...but after putting together 20+ things from Ikea...you sort of get the idea.
Posted by: Amadeo | November 13, 2007 4:16 PM
Down with the heteronormative agenda!
Posted by: dancing monkey | November 15, 2007 11:49 AM