Response to Ashley

Dawn M said...
Hi Ashley!I'd like to think the old views of what is a "real man" are changing. So many women are single moms (I was for 6 years a very long time ago)...that when I was raising my son alone (his father had nothing to do with him - his choice/his loss by the way!) - I wanted him to understand and appreciate things. I did everything I could to raise my son to honor respect, privacy, opinions, lots of things. I promised myself that when he eventually got married my daughter-in-law would thank me for how I raised him. I did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. I met and married my husband who reinforced values I had taught him... the value of hard work, earning a paycheck, saving for the future, loving and taking care of family. He is an amazing man, loves family, works hard, serves his country (he is career-minded in the Air Force). To me he is a "real man", a role model that I know he will pass along to his own children someday.

I think maybe your pastor is looking at a very old fashioned viewpoint, I would argue that a good moral character, ability and willingness to accept responsibility, respect for others and a love of family are what dictate a "real man" AND a "real woman".

The 'real men' she is referring are the ones that have left so many single women raising children alone - and in poverty a lot of times. They are nothing to be emulated! She is only further perpetuating gender stereotypes - give her your text to read - or suggest she take a gender class! :-)
June 24, 2010 10:14 PM