University Of Kansas Hosted "Masculinities Month"

                The Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity at the University of Kansas dubbed February “Masculinities Month.” Don’t fret, it was anything but a celebration of masculinity. Multiple events were scheduled throughout the month, including a “keynote” address by a “prominent anti-patriarchy writer,” according to The College Fix. The ETCWGE’s website stated: “Through these [events], the Emily Taylor Center encourages you to learn about and question the ‘collective socialization of men,’ the ‘traditional masculine script,’ and the concept of ‘the man box’; consider the relationship between intersectionality and masculinities; explore the differences between patriarchy and feminism as well as between patriarchal masculinity and feminist masculinity. We also share strategies for those seeking to practice and/or nurture feminist masculinities in their everyday lives.” Huh? This raises the question: “Bite me!” Seriously, what a load of crap. I was not aware of the concept of “the man box,” actually. Does it have something to do with being non-binary?

                The aforementioned keynote speaker for the month was Donna Zuckerberg, who penned the now iconic book, “Not All Dead White Men: Classics and Misogyny in the Digital Age.” The book (available at Half-Price Bookstores everywhere!) illuminates a “virulent strain of anti-feminism” that supposedly exists, among other places, in the “virtual communities of the far right.” (“Far right” in academic parlance refers to anyone to the right of Chairman Mao).

According to the event’s Facebook page, the event was co-sponsored by the “Sexual Assault Prevention and Education Center, the Department of American Studies, the Department of Classics, and the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas.” Given that Donna Zuckerberg is Mark Zuckerberg’s sister, I’m sure that Facebook page will live on in perpetuity.  

Since sharing strategies for practicing “feminist masculinities” went over well, the Emily Taylor Center now says it will host additional events in the near future, including ones on how to explore and practice “Black Whiteness,” “Capitalistic Communism,” “Pacifistic Militarism,” and “Vegan Carnivorousness.”