Message-Id: <199710071222.GAA14203@csf.Colorado.EDU>
From: "Jack B. Monpas-Huber" <jam97003@uconnvm.uconn.edu>
To: socgrad@csf.colorado.edu
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 1997 08:25:05 +0000
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Subject: Re: Promise Keepers
Reply-to: jam97003@uconnvm.uconn.edu

> These issues of masculinity often get lost among the discussions about their
> anti-gay/lesbian ideology and their patriarchal discourse (e.g. "If there
> is a unresolvable situation in the home, then the husband should take the
> leadership of the situation over his wife and children" --paraphrased
> from Bill McCartney founder of the Promise Keepers).

I too agree that, in spite of the negative press about its homophobia 
and latent sexism, Promise Keepers is doing a good thing by addressing 
some of the problems with masculinity as we know it today.  Feminists 
would do well to appreciate the so-called movement's effort to help 
men behave (i.e., to be more family-oriented, faithful to their 
wives, manage their finances responsibly, break down racial barriers, 
etc.)  However, the homophobia/latent sexism issues should be taken 
seriously.

My feeling on Promise Keepers and related mens movements is that they 
should incorporate women.  While in some ways it is good for men to 
get together to question the meaning of masculinity, I think they run 
the risk of confirming their own biases.  For this reason it is 
important for them to hear women's perspectives FROM WOMEN.  In the 
same way that I believe more men Should be sensitive to, help take 
action on womens issues (i.e., breast cancer, violence against 
women), and be avowed feminists, women should be part of mens 
movements to renegotiate the meaning of masculinity and help come up 
with more equitable gender roles.  In other words, I don't see how 
satisfactory solutions to gender problems are possible without 
meaning dialogue between BOTH sexes in a spirit of love and 
compassion.

----------------------------------------------
JACK B. MONPAS-HUBER
Doctoral Student, Dept. of Sociology
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-2068
(860) 486-4423 or 486-4073
jam97003@uconnvm.uconn.edu