Generations are changing, which has led many men to free themselves from the pressures of masculinity and be able to wear skirts, dresses, and makeup. However, these guys are also criticized for stepping outside customs, something that feminist author Clementine Ford has found worthy of analysis.
The feminist commentator has lashed out against men who criticize others for wearing dresses, claiming they are afraid of feeling attracted to them.
Through Facebook, the author condemned the men who mocked those who dared to express their masculinity differently, since it has nothing to do with sexual orientation, but rather that nowadays more and more heterosexual men are expressing themselves with “feminine” clothing and makeup.
“Because they associate makeup and ‘feminine’ clothing so strongly with women, and perceive women as objects for their consumption, that they fear feeling ATTRACTED to a man they believe is presenting in a feminine way. Even worse, that they could be TRICKED by one,” Ford said to explain the reasons for the hatred among these men toward others.
“I think deep down what really scares cis men who feel threatened by other men freeing themselves from strict masculine expression is not the idea that these men are belittling themselves, but that they are LIBERATING themselves,” she wrote.
Ford continues explaining that if a man’s notion of masculinity is threatened by “a little lipstick, eyeliner, and some fabric,” then maybe it is not as solid as they think.
“Frankly, the world needs many more men who are willing to play with aesthetics, color, and fun than men who defend individual systems and viewpoints that impose their emotional repression,” she concluded.
All of this because of figures like Christian Wilkins, the son of television presenter Richard Wilkins, who has become known for wearing “feminine” garments that question some people’s perception of masculinity.