Robert Webb - How to be a Boy

[Ohthegrandolddukeofyorkjellies]

Robert Webb has written his memoirs - 'How to be a Boy'. In this clip he gives an overview during which states that he thinks gender is made up. Makes me want to stand up and cheer that he says it so matter of factly. I haven't read all of the 'No more boys and girls' thread so apologies if this has already been mentioned there.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=6ujt4We82Jk

They're just calling out the sexism to be fair

Well people do listen to men more.

The reason why is definitely something that gets discussed all the time. It's the basis for feminism in the first place.

It's really important that men say this stuff too. Young men who see that will listen- everyone values the views of their role models.

I've read it now and as well as being really honest about not being a boy that fits into the usual boxes, and very sensitive stuff about dealing with his mum's death, it's also really really great to hear his insight into his own anger as a fallback reaction to events - as a result of being taught that men are impervious to he nuances of emotion.

He's also really good on really honestly realising what he did and how he behaved as a new parent - something so many of my friends' partners did - and certainly have no insight into.

Really enjoyable read too

Yes it's important that's women's experiences and views are heard - of course it is. But I'm about halfway through the book and finding it refreshing to hear an account of being on the receiving end of the expectations of toxic masculinity. Things I knew intellectually not home more in a personal story.

If it helps men understand how gender equality would help them too then do much the better.

Thank you for your advice Datun. I'm going to go ahead and use it and remain as neutral as positive as we do have students who identify as non-gender binary. My students do know that I am a feminist and I'm pretty open about being a gender abolitionist, though, so I'm pretty sure that some of them have put two and two together about my thoughts on such matters. I'll report back!

Ohthegrandolddukeofyorkjellies

I'd love to hear what your non-binary student think. Because, to me, there is definitely something to that. They are refusing to confirm to either role. I like that.

I dislike the hint of snowflakery with which it's often accompanied, though.

Ask the non binary students whether their status extends to their actual roles in life. Not just their presentation. I'd like to see examples.

Because it's a neat trick if you can pull it off.

By which I mean if you are living a gender neutral life, you're a feminist, right?

I would love to hear your report on this too.

I think it's a super book, a breakthrough for all men by a man, from a man's point of view.

Gender is rubbish, biological sex is a fact.

I would love to say that they were making a political statement but unfortunately it is Riley J Dennis, Milo Stewart gender non binary status. Influenced entirely by Tmblr and YouTube. I'm not there to judge, and don't actually care - kids is kids - but my professional experience suggests that these young people are lesbian.

And without wishing to out myself or break the confidence of the child but one GNC teenager wears stereotypical male clothes on some days and stereotypically female clothes on others (non uniform VIth form) and they have taken on a stereotypically voluntary female role within the school community.

Web chat is a great idea. Really pleased he's done it (though of course it's what women have been saying for decades). But if it gets a message across to some men then great. I really care about my son hearing these messages from men not just his mum.

Came on to start a thread about this - it's a great book, i am listening to the audio book and really enjoying it. It's very moving and makes some great points

He has stated that he understands he is getting twice the praise and half the vitriol that women get for saying he same thing. I like him.

On WH, I wasn't that impressed with the bit about how 'the trick' means women get rubbish jobs. He probably didn't mean that to sound so damning of roles which, since they are done, presumably need doing one way or another, but it was a bit uncomfortable.