Dear Men: Stop Working Out – A Response

They say that on the Internet you can find the best of people and the worst of people, well today, unfortunately I’m going to focus on the latter, in this clearly titled article called Dear Men: Stop Working Out.

I’ve copied across the content direct for response, so no need to give “Journalist” Katie the attention she obviously craves.

Toxic masculinity refers to the cultural norms in a patriarchal society that equates masculinity with control, aggression and violence. Men are conditioned from a young age to believe that emotion, compassion and empathy are somehow “unmanly”.

Already I feel like I’m reading a gender studies degree first year assignment that scored E minus. 

Still, if you studied a worthless degree, might as well use those buzzwords you learnt liberally at every opportunity…

One of the main tactics used by those in power of a male-driven society is the exploitation of physical strength. Western governments use propaganda to perpetuate a narrative that men must work out and maintain a level of physical fitness if they want to be respected in society. This belief was created purposefully as a way to ensure that the patriarchal agenda lives on by continuing to force women into submission via intimidation.

Okay… Why is it only “Western governments” pushing the narrative on physical fitness?

Do BRIC economies not see the importance of exercise?  Are developing nations, who rely on the trade of primary goods, not recognising the physical ability to cultivate the lands or is it just the evil patriarchal west?

Physical fitness is important for any functioning society to survive and thrive…

Women are, on average, intellectually superior to men. This intellectual maturity allows them to have a greater hold on their emotions when faced with confrontation.

Not sure if the “intellectually superior to men” remark is accurate, but it’s kind of “Journalist” Katie to do her bit for us fellas by narrowing this gap by displaying such stupidity.

In comparison, the fragility of toxic masculinity creates an atmosphere where men feel the need to prove themselves as an “Alpha”, resulting in extreme aggression and physical confrontation. This reaction is enhanced when levels of testosterone are increased in the male body through physical fitness.

In respect to aggression – yes the gym can be a place of egos, I’ve occassionally come across people trying too hard to prove themselves, though it’s usually people looking down on the physically fit (he must take steroids…. he’s a narcissist who loves himself… etc…)

When you go to the gym for a while, you realise it’s actually a pretty chill place full of men (and women!) focused on their own results, they don’t care about being alpha.

Personally, the gym has been nothing but positive for me – a place to control my own aggression, vent frustration and resolve problems.

If you want to see a list of reasons why the gym is a good place for men, then check out my article Dear Men: Please Keep Working Out

Having the outlet to workout saves economies billions in having to resolve mental health issues of men everywhere.  If Katie is concerned about aggressive men now, imagine taking that away…

Studies have shown that signs of aggression in male dogs decreased exponentially following castration. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, veterinarian and behavior specialist says, “Neutering your male [dog] has valuable behaviour benefits. It can minimize numerous unwanted behaviors, prevent frustrations and improve quality of life“. This same logic can be applied here – the lower the testosterone, the happier the man and the safer the society.

Uh-Oh!  This is the point the article lost me whether it’s supposed to be serious or a clever piece of satire designed to undermine people who really believe this and parody extreme feminist rhetoric.

Unfortunately, castration is not an option for humans at this point in time due to lack of research in the field of synthetically engineered sperm which is necessary for procreation.

– Anonymous Medical Doctor with a PhD.

I’m coming to the conclusion that Katie is a nut with a fascination about castration, though adding a quote saying “Anonymous Medical Doctor with a PhD” gives me hope this is satire.

As a progressive society, we must acknowledge the fact that increased volumes of testosterone and the lack of emotional intelligence amongst men is being used as a weapon by our government to continue the cycle of misogynistic oppression towards women.

To the woke males out there: You need to take accountability for your fellow man’s actions and make a conscientious effort to put an end to this form of sexism. Don’t remain a sheep for the rest of your life.

Sincerely,
A concerned feminist.

And so, this well thought out opinion piece comes to an end.  I have to say I’m disappointed as the attack didn’t really build against working out, reading more of the insights of a weirdo with a castration fetish, aiming to get as many gender politics key words squeezed in!

If serious, this is a poorly put together argument, based on stereotypes and generalisations that does little to persuade the importance why men shouldn’t work out.

If satire, then it scores a 2 out of 10 as it lacks the humour and the warmth to persuasively get it’s point across.

Now I’ve critiqued this, I’m now going to show my lack of emotional intelligence by going to the gym to deadlift!

Have a great day!

Patriarchal Overlord James

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