In discussions surrounding men’s literature, Robert Brannon, a scholar deeply familiar with the men’s movement since its inception in 1970 as an extension of feminism, notably dissents from the concept of exclusive men’s groups. Brannon argues against segregation in gatherings, drawing a parallel to racial or religious discrimination, questioning the exclusion of women based solely on their gender. This perspective challenges the core tenet of men-only spaces within the movement, prompting a deeper examination of their purpose and implications.
However, Brannon’s critique occurs against a backdrop where the acknowledgment of women’s systemic oppression is paramount. Paradoxically, many men express feelings of being victimized by shaming, particularly from women, leading them to perceive themselves as a form of oppressed group. This sense of victimhood fuels the rationale for men-only meetings, envisioned as safe spaces for redefining identity and reclaiming a sense of lost power, away from perceived antagonists. The rituals often associated with these gatherings, such as drumming and chanting, are interpreted as tools for restoring this diminished sense of male authority. Yet, the assertion of white men as an oppressed group is contentious. Critics argue that such sentiments echo unfounded anxieties akin to those of extremist groups who perceive threats from minority advancements, despite evidence to the contrary.
Robert Bly, a central figure in the mythopoetic men’s movement, presents a complex evolution in thought. Initially, Bly leaned towards matriarchal ideals, suggesting a return to so-called feminine values of the past. He then shifted towards advocating for a romanticized version of traditional masculinity, emphasizing father-son bonds within male-dominated work environments. To bridge these seemingly disparate concepts, Bly introduced the idea of the “male mother,” a figure embodying both masculine and nurturing qualities. This concept, influenced by figures like Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, attempts to integrate feminine aspects into a traditional masculine framework. The “Wild Man,” a key archetype in Bly’s work and central to his book Iron John, represents a figure who understands and integrates both the maternal and paternal aspects, guiding men towards a balanced masculinity.
Despite Bly’s exploration of archetypes in Iron John and his attempt to redefine masculinity and femininity, his framework faces criticism for essentializing gender roles. Bly’s conceptualization often portrays men and women as inherently different, defined by fixed natures – masculine Logos and feminine Eros – mirroring existing power structures under a guise of apolitical neutrality. A significant oversight in Bly’s understanding, critics argue, is the core feminist concept that masculinity and femininity are socially constructed, rooted in a system where one gender is subservient to the other. Bly’s statement that feminism equates to the idealization of the feminine and the condemnation of the masculine reveals a fundamental misinterpretation of feminist goals, suggesting a perception of feminism as simply inverting, rather than dismantling, traditional gender hierarchies.
