We've addressed other syndromes afflicting certain segments of the male population on this blog in the past as well. I can't remember or find the exact quote but I've heard it said that certain groups are most oppressed in places where their capability is most feared. Women have made some pretty incredible strides over the past hundred years, so I suppose that it should be no surprise that there is now much backlash against women's choices, opportunities, and achievements. But make no mistake, this is all about control. The Angry Entitled Man Syndrome (AEMS) has reared its fat, ugly, balding, head.
AEMs want society to regress- a return to the "good ol' days" of pre- 1960s America. Society and the economy have changed a lot over the past 50 or 60 years and many have not been able to adjust nor were they prepared to make adjustments- this breeds resentment. Many men are now angry because they no longer understand their place in society and feel that their significance in the world has been attacked; and since they can't CONTROL OTHER MEN they need to feel that they can still control women.
The AEM wants to control: what women do; when, where, and with whom women have sex; who women choose as partners; women's reproductive choices and options; how women choose to live their lives; how much education is appropriate for women; etc. The AEM will use shame, anger, bullying, his fists, or even legislation in an attempt to control women's movements. He feels entitled to do this by virtue of having a penis- because back in 1940, the good ol' days if you will, that was all he needed in order to maintain said control.
I appreciate that many men who feel this way are getting up there in age and will die off soon- perhaps that wasn't very Christian of me to say but, oh well. That does not change the message that they are sending to their sons and grandsons as well as the contingent of men who now view women and their progress as a threat. So as women it is ever important to take a step back and observe the current situation and maintain vigilance. This election is going to be even more important that I originally realized.
5 comments:
"I appreciate the fact that many men who feel this way are getting up there in age and will die off soon"
LOL! I wish.
I think BW are especially familiar with deealing with men who suffer from this.
I tend to agree with alot that you say, and his anger got him to the point where he said something he should not have.
But the anger was induced by the fact that the woman wanted to force everyone but herself to pay for her birth control pills. Your no longer making your own choices if you get the government to force its way into my pocketbook and steal my money. You limit my choice to not support what I dont believe in, or not to support someone else in general, when I could be taking care of myself. In a since the nerve of ther girl causes me more distress and anger.
Renee
This isn't just about Limbaugh, this is about an undercurrent of resentment from a group of men who feel threatened.
Your blog post immediately came to my mind when I experienced a disturbing incident yesterday afternoon. I was sitting in my car at a stop light waiting for it to change. An older Caucasian man in the car next to me got my attention by flashing an Obama bumper sticker and saying something. I halfway rolled down my car window because I was didn't know what he was saying. At that point he yelled, "Obama sucks" as the light changed and cowardly sped off.
He is an angry,ignorant man and his behavior is troubling on so many levels. The fact that he felt the need to display his temper to me, a total stranger, in such a manner is scary.
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