The men's right movement, or MRM, appears to be an offshoot of the success of women's liberation. Although it is true that women have been treated as second class citizens for centuries, they now have more than succeeded in becoming the equals of men such that many laws are now heavily skewed in their favor, e.g., no-fault divorce. Male "victims" of woman-initiated divorce (75% of divorces) and other perceived injustices have formed the MRM whose main assumption is that ALL women are hypergamous: changing partners until they capture the alpha male.
Although MRM considers this bad for the males, especially the beta and gamma males who comprise 90% of the male population, we the discussants thought that the success of women's liberation is negatively affecting females, too. For example, alpha males are not exactly the type who will want to stay with their woman. Those men seeking stability look for non-western women whom they can still treat as women. Thus, many "liberated" women will realize that they need men in some way but never get them.
Although still largely a western phenomenon, we thought that we are experiencing the effects in the Philippines. We experience it in the form of "easy to make and break" relationships, prenuptial agreements, and separate bank accounts of husbands and wives. Soon we might see divorce, the perfect legal tool to facilitate hypergamy.
We did not talk about how to address these issues, i.e., to solve whatever "evils" are therein found. But in this light, we suggested that our next topic should look more deeply into what may be described as "modern" friendship.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Vice and Virtue of Sports, Summary, 4 Aug 2010
We with a discussion on the photo of Manny Pacquiao just after his victory over Ricky Hatton. Our participation in sport is mirrored in the image of that unknown guy in a track suit seemingly ecstatic just to be in the proximity of the victory.
When we watch sports, we tend to gloss over some important questions. In the example of Pacquiao’s victory, people rarely realize the amount of force he unloads on an opponent’s face with a single punch. Such force can potentially be lethal and the amount of training and money that went into giving a man the ability to deliver something so deadly does not give any of the viewers of the sporting event any cause for concern. Other questions that remain unasked include the concern over handing over millions of dollars to teenagers (in sports such as basketball and football) and expecting them to thrive under pressure and mature, as well as questions over the millions spent in stadiums and other sporting events that are not technically productive. Another forgotten question is the participation of women in more violent sports, where their relative physical frailty leaves them vulnerable.
The reason we, as spectators of sports, ignore these questions is that sports allow us access to a collective human experience that lifts both the participants and the observers of the event. Sport used to be something done in preparation for war. While the age of almost constant warfare is now a thing of the past, the spirit of collective glory which drove so many to participate in war never left. The desire to belong to a side in a physical struggle is still strong, especially in men. This is why some men are so fanatically devoted to their sports teams, or to certain athletes.
Sports also bring about an appreciation of the capabilities of the human body. Pushing the limits of endurance, strength and speed causes both a sense of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment that draw many people into the experience. Watching a human being defy the limitations of the human body makes it seem that humanity as a whole has defied the odds.
Practicing a sport can also provide a lifetime of personal growth and experience, be it as a constant pursuit of perfection or as a hobby. It allows man to both test himself and bond with others who are similarly testing themselves, creating a feeling of kinship with these people and those who wish to learn from them.
In conclusion, a deeper look at sports invites the asking of certain questions. But most people participate in sports for the sheer human experience it offers, which transcends the rational questioning that can accompany such unusual human activities.
When we watch sports, we tend to gloss over some important questions. In the example of Pacquiao’s victory, people rarely realize the amount of force he unloads on an opponent’s face with a single punch. Such force can potentially be lethal and the amount of training and money that went into giving a man the ability to deliver something so deadly does not give any of the viewers of the sporting event any cause for concern. Other questions that remain unasked include the concern over handing over millions of dollars to teenagers (in sports such as basketball and football) and expecting them to thrive under pressure and mature, as well as questions over the millions spent in stadiums and other sporting events that are not technically productive. Another forgotten question is the participation of women in more violent sports, where their relative physical frailty leaves them vulnerable.
The reason we, as spectators of sports, ignore these questions is that sports allow us access to a collective human experience that lifts both the participants and the observers of the event. Sport used to be something done in preparation for war. While the age of almost constant warfare is now a thing of the past, the spirit of collective glory which drove so many to participate in war never left. The desire to belong to a side in a physical struggle is still strong, especially in men. This is why some men are so fanatically devoted to their sports teams, or to certain athletes.
Sports also bring about an appreciation of the capabilities of the human body. Pushing the limits of endurance, strength and speed causes both a sense of exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment that draw many people into the experience. Watching a human being defy the limitations of the human body makes it seem that humanity as a whole has defied the odds.
Practicing a sport can also provide a lifetime of personal growth and experience, be it as a constant pursuit of perfection or as a hobby. It allows man to both test himself and bond with others who are similarly testing themselves, creating a feeling of kinship with these people and those who wish to learn from them.
In conclusion, a deeper look at sports invites the asking of certain questions. But most people participate in sports for the sheer human experience it offers, which transcends the rational questioning that can accompany such unusual human activities.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
On Homosexuality, Summary, 21 July 2010, UAP
Fr. Gary Soria began the session stating that the words “homosexual” and “gay” were adjectives, not nouns. That is, the words do not refer to persons but only to certain qualities or activities.
Medically, there is no proof of a homosexual gene. Rather, data shows that homosexuality has roots in a psychological trauma or a dysfunctional setting. Hence, therapy for homosexuality is possible.
The Church makes no claim of knowing the root of homosexuality. But it sees the inclination as disordered. Gays are called to live chastity, as all persons are.
The group stressed on homosexuality not being a noun. The forceful gay campaigns in media and politics might make it appear that "gay" referred to a unique kind of person different from other persons. This adds to the growing gay communities among gays themselves and, as a reaction among other people, in a fear of looking prejudicial against gays.
The root concern is the fear of sending the wrong signal; that nothing is wrong with the homosexual act itself. Here we must note that non-sexual actions we might call "effeminate" may simply be habits born out of family training and oftentimes difficult to choose or control. And the attraction to members of the same sex remain tendencies that influence choice. Habits and tendencies are different from the homosexual act which is always a choice.
Three things factored in the resolution: First, “gay” is an adjective: we should not confuse homosexuality and the person (for example, though it is right not to condone the action, it is wrong to persecute the person.) Second, the homosexual act is a disorder and cannot be condoned. Third, the homosexual act may stem from past dysfunctional relationships and psychological trauma that somehow affect choices. But choices remain choices and are controllable.
Thus, when dealing with homosexuals, treat them like normal persons. As Jonathan Guillermo put it, “treat the gay person as one of the guys”. However, whenever the issue of homosexuality is raised, one must still stand firm on the issue.
Medically, there is no proof of a homosexual gene. Rather, data shows that homosexuality has roots in a psychological trauma or a dysfunctional setting. Hence, therapy for homosexuality is possible.
The Church makes no claim of knowing the root of homosexuality. But it sees the inclination as disordered. Gays are called to live chastity, as all persons are.
The group stressed on homosexuality not being a noun. The forceful gay campaigns in media and politics might make it appear that "gay" referred to a unique kind of person different from other persons. This adds to the growing gay communities among gays themselves and, as a reaction among other people, in a fear of looking prejudicial against gays.
The root concern is the fear of sending the wrong signal; that nothing is wrong with the homosexual act itself. Here we must note that non-sexual actions we might call "effeminate" may simply be habits born out of family training and oftentimes difficult to choose or control. And the attraction to members of the same sex remain tendencies that influence choice. Habits and tendencies are different from the homosexual act which is always a choice.
Three things factored in the resolution: First, “gay” is an adjective: we should not confuse homosexuality and the person (for example, though it is right not to condone the action, it is wrong to persecute the person.) Second, the homosexual act is a disorder and cannot be condoned. Third, the homosexual act may stem from past dysfunctional relationships and psychological trauma that somehow affect choices. But choices remain choices and are controllable.
Thus, when dealing with homosexuals, treat them like normal persons. As Jonathan Guillermo put it, “treat the gay person as one of the guys”. However, whenever the issue of homosexuality is raised, one must still stand firm on the issue.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Introduction
Career builders like us love to talk.
We question, dissect, reflect over issues that affect how we decide and how we deal with people.
Fully aware that beer, girls, and badminton on Wednesday nights are serious competition, the founders of TWG thought, "why not start some other thing where we can talk about sex and violence and money and corrupt colleagues and debate in a friendly way about what's good and bad and true and false? Something short, no frills, no alcohol, just the chance you'll go home having learned something useful.
What do you need to join? As a professional you're automatically armed and ready to fire. Beer, girls, and badminton can take the second and fourths, while your energetic mind can take the other Wednesdays, 45 min of them.
What else? No fees? None. Dinner or coffee? There's a Starbucks outside. And you're not from UA&P and don't know anyone there and have never been to a roundtable in your whole life? Solved soon enough.
So, it's simple. Just go there and ask for the Case Room. Or text Jay (09085805446). We start and end on time, if that should help calm your date.
See you!
We question, dissect, reflect over issues that affect how we decide and how we deal with people.
Fully aware that beer, girls, and badminton on Wednesday nights are serious competition, the founders of TWG thought, "why not start some other thing where we can talk about sex and violence and money and corrupt colleagues and debate in a friendly way about what's good and bad and true and false? Something short, no frills, no alcohol, just the chance you'll go home having learned something useful.
What do you need to join? As a professional you're automatically armed and ready to fire. Beer, girls, and badminton can take the second and fourths, while your energetic mind can take the other Wednesdays, 45 min of them.
What else? No fees? None. Dinner or coffee? There's a Starbucks outside. And you're not from UA&P and don't know anyone there and have never been to a roundtable in your whole life? Solved soon enough.
So, it's simple. Just go there and ask for the Case Room. Or text Jay (09085805446). We start and end on time, if that should help calm your date.
See you!
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