... the socialization of boys regarding masculinity is often at the expense of women. I came to realize that we don't raise boys to be men, we raise them not be women (or gay men). We teach boys that girls and women are "less than" and that leads to violence by some and silence by many. It's important for men to stand up to not only stop men's violence against women but, to teach young men a broader definition of masculinity that includes being empathetic, loving and non-violent.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the negative impact that traditional masculinity can have on both women and men, calling for a redefinition of masculinity to promote empathy and non-violence.
Don McPherson's quote highlights how societal expectations around masculinity often diminish the value of women and educate boys in a way that fosters violence and silence towards women's issues. He advocates for a transformation in how young men are raised, encouraging a broader understanding of masculinity that embraces empathy, love, and non-violence, thus fostering a healthier relationship between genders.
In practice
During a panel discussion on gender equality, one might quote McPherson to highlight the need for empathy in discussions about masculinity.
A person does not...stand motionless and clear before our eyes with his merits, his defects, his plans, his intentions with regard to ourself exposed on his surface...but is a shadow which we can never succeed in penetrating...a shadow behind which we can alternately imagine, with equal justification, that there burns the flame of hatred and of love.
It may be regarded as certain that not a foot of land will ever be taken from the Indians without their own consent.
Marriage...is the union of two people of different sexes with a view to the mutual possession of each other's sexual attributes for the duration of their lives.
If you treat every person you meet as if he or she were the most important person in the world, you'll communicate that he or she is somebody - to you.
Men are April when they woo, December when they wed.
I was conscious of the fact that it could be to my disadvantage to marry a white guy - that some folks would hold that against me.
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