True North with Abby & Ryan

Abby & Ryan Vs. the Patriarchy

• Abby & Ryan • Season 1 • Episode 42

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CORRECTION: Ryan referred to Alison Bechdel as a "he" because he didn't do his homework on who actually created the Bechdel test 🤦‍♂️

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We live in a man-centric world, and there are things men can do with little to no systemic consequence that female, gender fluid, and nonbinary people can't. We dive into gender roles, systemic misogyny, toxic masculinity, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

"Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Actionable steps to dismantle your own unconscious biases towards a man-centric culture:

  1. Notice where your language is man-centric (you guys, oh boy, oh man, oh brother)
  2. Notice how women are represented in the media (Bechdel Test - bechdeltest.com)
  3. Examine cultural gender norms, why they exist, and whether or not they still should (baby dolls and toy kitchens are "girl toys," and then we wonder why grown men can't nurture or cook)
  4. Notice when you fall into behaviors and thought patterns that promote patriarchy
  5. CHOOSE WHAT TO DO WITH WHAT YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS STUFF
  6. If you're a guy, join MenLiving (it's free) to do this work with men who are also doing it (menliving.org)


GRATITUDES:

  • Abby is grateful for people who love doing things she doesn't.
  • Ryan is grateful for his mom.


TIMECODES:
2:02 - Ryan sparks a rant about how problematic it is that toxic masculinity is so normalized and embedded in our culture.
15:50 - Allyship (lookin at you, menfolk)
20:30 - Misogyny in relationships 
38:28 - Misogyny in the media
56:36 - Gender norms

MORE DEETS: