Week One - Comment
my comment on http://bloodnut11.livejournal.com/961.html?view=3009#t3009
2 March 2009
Hey Andrew
I like what you're trying to say here; it's been a topic of interest for both men and women over the past 5 years with the introduction of the "metrosexual" in the average society. I definitely feel that what you're expressing applies very much to a Sydney society however: I think out of all the Australian capitals, Sydney promotes self consciousness and self improvement to such a degree that it overrides the natural order of things. Don't get me wrong though; there are some flaws in your argument though - certainly from a feminist perspective! Men should have the right to be as clean or well spoken as they want; and women should also have the right to be the bread winner for the household if they so chose. I do not think that the provision for a household should come solely from the father or husband - though I can certainly understand the insecurity a man may feel if his wife earns more than him. Some men do, like yourself, feel the need to provide for the household, to take care and control of the situation and be 'the rock' for his family. Although an admirable ambition, the truth of the matter is at the moment that jobs are scarce and it shouldn't come down to who earns what, rather that you are earning at all!
Also, on the emotional side of things; while I find that the differences between men and women are staggering emotionally at times, everyone is wired differently. Some men might not be able to just 'pick themselves up' and carry on with life as easily as your bread winner. I do agree though that there should be more encouragement of the bread winner mentality in this respect.
All in all, I enjoyed what you wrote even though I didn't necessarily agree with it. Good work for a first piece.
Peace and His Blessings,
Liz