I exited childhood in the 1950’s with beliefs about “being a man” that have gradually become myths to me over the last 60 years. I believed what I was taught back then – just by watching and listening:To be a respectable man, I must have a successful career
Attempts to adhere to these values created significant stress in my 20’s and 30’s. Instead of feeling accomplished and effective, I more frequently felt sex-role strain, never quite reaching the above ideals.
Gradually, as the decades have passed and social mores have broadened, these gender-related expectations have become less influential in my life, though versions of them still strike unexpectedly in assumptions, thought patterns and conversations.
Over time, my commitment to four other beliefs has strengthened – both in my personal interactions and in my political ideals. And gender role conflict – the gap between outside expectations and internal experiences – has narrowed. It has been freeing, connecting, and constructive to believe that:
John Robertson
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