[EDEQUITY Male Dialogue] Closing Statement by David Sadker

From: David Sadker (Dsadker@aol.com)
Date: Fri Dec 15 2000 - 16:17:48 EST


  I started my comments with a look back, a retelling of the history that
brought us here. Perhaps I should conclude with a quick look forward.
      I beleive that this discussion has shown the widespread interest in
how gender impacts BOTH males and females. The question seems to be are
males impacted and limited by gender role expectations - but what kind of
males (and females!) do we hope to see in the future. Will we turn back the
clock to the traditional male roles of breadwinner, unemotional, tough
guy,jock, etc and the like - or will we forge ahead to break new ground,
and discuss new possibilities.
     For me, I love the new ground, the breaking of barriers and the
opening of options. For me, the greatest joy of my life has been being a
father, a joy too many men never really appreciate (including me as a
boy!). Having boys look to their future roles as a caring parent is a
bright, warm light at the end of the tunnel, and a great strategy to
promote change.
     It will be a long journey. The male role is precisely what traditional
cultures value: to turn away from the traditional male role is to make some
basic assumptions about the shortcomings of our society. And society does
not change easily. We are in it for the long haul.

David Sadker



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