November 19th is International Men’s Day (IMD). Feminists, don’t quip, “isn’t every day men’s day”? We accept IMD in part because feminism advocates social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. When we remember International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900’s, celebrating the two different days a century later seems fair. Equal. (IMD is not officially recognized by the United Nations, whereas IWD on March 8th has been since 1975.)
Unlike IWD, International Men’s Day does not mark systemic oppression. Men are, undeniably, overrepresented in positions of influence and power in our culture. But according to Jake Stika, executive director of Next Gen Men, the benefits of patriarchy come with some damaging affects. Think of the lingering pressure on men to be the primary breadwinner and to fulfil long standing stereotypes evidenced, for instance, in the expressions “man up”, “boys don’t cry”, “be a man”, “stop acting like a girl”. If/when men show vulnerability, they’re not conforming to their prescribed gender role. Yet “men are just as lonely, just as vulnerable, but far less likely to admit it [than women].”
IMD coincides with Movember, a movement that since 2003 tackles “three of the biggest health issues affecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.” In fact the theme of IMD this year is “Zero Male Suicide”. Because in Canada and the U.S. four of every five deaths by suicide are male.
PILLARS OF IMD
- Promoting positive male role models
- Acknowledging the positive contribution of men and boys to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment
- Focussing on men’s health and well-being — social, emotional, physical and spiritual
- Highlighting discrimination and disadvantage
- Improving gender relations and promoting gender equality
- Making the world a better, safer place for everyone
Let’s give the important men in our lives big hugs today. And every day. ♥
Patricia B says
Well written Pam and well argued. Always interesting and thought provoking to read your blog.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks very much, Pat, for your compliments.
Glen Wickens says
I just got my hug from Pam and look forward to getting one every day!
Pam McPhail says
You rank as an important man in my life, Glen.🥰
Chris Krueger says
Pam, I agree. Very well written! Giving it to my guest, a young man from Germany, to read and discuss Thank you!
Pam McPhail says
Thanks, Chris. I hope you and your male guest had a good discussion.
Deborah Etsten says
M’y husband and I agreed on something! You write great blogs! I think one more very big issue for men where they feel discriminated is custody and support rights, not that we have any first or even second-hand experience.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks, Deborah. Did you and your husband reach an agreement before or after you hugged him?🤭
Bruce Stevenson says
A fair and balanced piece Pam. Boo to the United Nations.
If I were there I’d give you a hug…lol! Thanks for these interesting blogs.
P.S. How do you add emoticons to these replies?
Pam McPhail says
You and I are limited to virtual hugs most years now, Bruce, but you’re still important to me.😉
P.S. I had to google the difference between emoticons and emojis.🙄 I don’t use the former and can only add the latter to my blog if I’m writing on my iPad (not desktop). Go figure.