And we're back. Did everyone have a good holiday? Well welcome back to the fifth installment in The One About...'s The Twelve Days Of Blogmas. Today's article was originally posted on May 3rd of 2009. Whenever I have sufficient time in bookstores I love to just go aisle surfing and see what catches my eye. One day I found a book with a cover that reminded me of the kinds of books they published in the fifties that were all about simplistic stories meant to provide moral instruction to young boys and girls. I was right to be reminded of those books, but I was surprised to discover that it was not a reprint, but rather a wholly new creation. I was disturbed to discover that the author's message was one of sexism, racism, and imperialism. Plus in this day and age it was just patently ridiculous to boot. So, with equal parts outrage and bemusement I let fly.Click the headline to read the full article!
It all seemed so innocuous at first. As childhood obesity has become an ever increasing problem, people have sought solutions. Looking for a way to encourage boys and young men to get out into the world and get active two brothers created the very popular The Dangerous Book For Boys.
Now I've not read it but the idea behind it seems simple and harmless enough. Basically it's a collection of activities for boys and young men that range from building things to various adventures to try. And while surely some of the things suggested may carry an element of risk, ultimately it's nothing too out there.
But of course as is always the case the publishing world never met a trend that they wouldn't happily jump on milk for all it's worth. As a result a lot of similar books are getting published. Some of them are true companion books, such as The Daring Book For Girls.
Others are parodies. And some, while seeming similar, are actually misogynistic, nationalistic, racist, revisionist history, clap trap in a poor disguise. One such effort is titled Amazing Tales For Making Men Out Of Boys, written by Neil Oliver.
Now on the surface there is nothing too terribly wrong with the aim of this book. It's stated purpose is,
...bringing back the sort of men who once roamed the world, who lived defiant lives and damn the consequences.
And while some of his examples are good, such as the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton, some have a very military flavor, which in my opinion in this day and age is of questionable value. While no one over all could find fault with tales of heroism framed by the World War Two battle known as the Invasion of Normandy, the retelling of the massacre at Isandlwana, while addressing the false assumptions on which the British based their actions, still has a reverential tone that amounts to "Might+White makes Right!"
However if that was the worst thing to be found in the book I'd probably consider it just stupid but ignorable. However there are moments of blatant sexism that oddly enough are aimed squarely at men, and also an attitude of worshipfulness for ideas that men are still fighting to shed. Ideas that have long crippled our ability to be fully in touch with our selves and feelings.
In the introduction Oliver opines,
Once upon a time, being an old fashioned manly man had a lot to do with simple, old fashioned values. It was about caring whether the streets were clear of refuse; that the walls of our homes and businesses-and of our neighbors' homes and businesses-were free of graffiti and other needless damage; it was about keeping the yard tidy and the woodwork and railings freshly painted; it was about firm handshakes, stiff upper lips and never, ever crying in public.
Great. Just as we seemed to be on the verge of moving away from this self destructive bull shit, that showing ones feelings somehow makes one less of a "man", this idiot wants to bring this crap back? Hey why not bring back all the health problems and early deaths that come from such garbage.
Later on when lamenting the state of modern manhood, something he does a lot, he offers up one of the books most offensive little nuggets,
We've given away or destroyed all our industries and thousands of our men spend the best years of their lives answering phones in call centers or doing something or other in IT. A lot of the rest are at home minding the kids. How did we let all this happen? Men can be tamed and domesticated-that much is obviously true-but most would be better off out in the woods and hills, like the lions and tigers and bears.
Ah so once again this expert on manhood, has asserted that "real men" don't stay home to take care of the kids. The unspoken corollary to such assertions is that child rearing is for the wimmins, who probably in the world of "manly men" should stay home with the barefoot and the pregnant, and not besmirch the world of Men by wanting to be treated like people or anything.
The sad part is that the book is not even really true to the spirit of the kind of books it's meant to emulate. It focuses almost entirely on so called "Men Of Action." While giving almost no attention at all to men who are no less daring and bold but more devoted to less directly physical pursuits. Where are the stories of Thomas Alva Edison, or Abraham Lincoln?
Men who have been and are to this day, even with the troubling things commonly known about them, still largely held up as examples of manhood to be emulated.
Ultimately, while I think it might be a fine thing if someone wrote a book that was a mixture of classic and modern examples of virtuous and courageous living (preferably for both boys and girls) this book is not it. Now perhaps it's time for Mr. Oliver to let those of us in the twenty first century get on with the business of forging a new way ahead for both men and women, and he can go back to wearing an onion on his belt, which I understand was the style at the time.
Keep The Faith My Brothers And Sisters!
Well now wasn't that fun. By this point the style that we know and love today had largely come together. I was using both Zemanta and Apture, and leading off with a relevant picture. Also I had settled upon my now trademark sign off. But content wise I was still fairly tepid. Bigger changes were still in the offing. Check back tomorrow to read as I discover one of the best reasons to have a blog.
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