Lecture series sparks debate on masculine roles
It’s no secret to anyone that men are suffering from apathy here in the United States. Anecdotal evidence abounds: the perpetual child playing video games in his parent’s basement, or the stereotypical “bro” whose sole priority is promiscuity. Men have an image foisted upon us, and it is not a pretty one.
These stereotypes are backed up by hard statistics: 61 percent of degree-earning graduates are female, despite being 51 percent of the population. Males are far more likely to drop out without earning a degree. Men are 11 percent less optimistic than women about the future, in comparable ages; 55 percent of men aged 18-24 still live at home.
Buying into the status quo isn’t the only option available; an informed, evolved view of manhood that eliminates apathy, yet is not narrowly defined by stereotypes, exists. Such is the vision of “Be A Man,” a new conversation-style lecture series put together by Chris Faulkner and Brewer Eberly. The opening salvos against male apathy came Tuesday night from Vice Provost Dennis Pruitt, who detailed the aforementioned statistical facts. I know Eberly personally, and can say with utmost confidence that his vision of masculinity goes far beyond the stereotypical mold set by our society. He wants what is better for others, and is willing to cross bridges to achieve those goals.
And to that end, he and Faulkner have designed the series for both genders, of all or no faiths; the speakers are from diverse backgrounds, ranging from pastors to our university president, and will discuss leadership in a broad sense — what it means to learn, to gain wisdom and to respect others.
Eberly and Faulkner are Christians, a part of their identities that informs their views of masculinity. I, as a former Christian of a similar vein, am familiar with the type of masculinity that will be presented at these lectures, and these conversations serve to inform my own evolving opinions.
My views of sexuality are informed by some Christian teachings, as well as my attitudes toward women. I treat them as dignified, intelligent humans who deserve the respect that I would give anyone of my own gender. Another part of my journey over the past year has been to learn about feminism. I have come to understand, as much as I can, the issues that women face today and about the inequality and entitlement that men feel in a changing environment. Thus, I am a better human being today, due in no small part to the conversations about masculinity I have had in my own philosophical journey. Male apathy is a problem, and there is no quick cure for it. Yet introspection and honest dialogue can lead many young men to discover what their place is in today’s world. We can achieve so much and have such an active role in solving society’s problems, if we find the power to rise above stereotypes and revive the values of our gender.