Women's Lib / Mad Lib

If you think that supporting women's lib issues will somehow stop the endless nagging, think again:

Men at Take Back The Night (Toronto 2005)

There is always this question. Men are invited to take part in the fair and rally. If there is a men's discussion group or activity, they are invited to that. The march is for women and children only. If men want to show their support to the women in their lives, they can walk beside/outside the march.

Men can do many things to end violence against women and children. It is a constant surprise that being on this march seems to be one of the only things some (very vocal) men want to do. When asked to fundraise for women's services – we hear no. When asked to confront their male friends and family members about sexist, racist, violent behaviours, men say it is too difficult, or it's not their place. When asked to think about organizing a men's group or organization (or to join an existing one) to confront violence against women, they say they don't have the time. When asked to do childcare at this event, some men say no.

Hmmmm, does this sort of language sound familiar?

Men can do many things to help around the house. It is a constant surprise that going to the local sports bar seems to be one of the only things some (very vocal) men want to do. When asked to wash the dishes – we hear no. When asked to fix things around the house, men say it is too difficult, or it's not their place. When asked to think about cleaning out the garage, they say they don't have the time. When asked to take care of the kids while the woman goes shopping, some men say no.

p.s. You know, if my woman and young'ins were off marching, I wouldn't be vocally whining to join the march, but do some "fundraising" by tapping a keg and selling cold ones. Or just go to a sports bar instead.