Refusing to Be a Man: Essays on Sex and Justice - Softcover

Stoltenberg, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0452010438 ISBN 13: 9780452010437

Publisher: Plume, 1990

Synopsis

Since its original publication in 1989, Refusing to be a Man has been acclaimed as a classic and widely cited in gender studies literature. In 13 eloquent essays, Stoltenberg articulates the first fully argued liberation theory for men that will also liberate women. He argues that male sexual identity is entirely a political and ethical construction whose advantages grow out of injustice. His thesis is, however, ultimately one of hope - that precisely because masculinity is so constructed, it is possible to refuse it, to act against it and to change. A new introduction by the author discusses the roots of his work in the American civil rights and radical feminist movements and distinguishes it from the anti-feminist philosophies underlying the recent tide of reactionary men's movements.

About this title

Review

The very title suggests pugnacity-a characteristic usually associated with maleness. Employed paradoxically, Stoltmberg's title and agenda could not be further aparL He writes broadly on all the sexual issues and controversies of our time. With great imagination he explores the various components of human sexuality. His liberation is centered in the notion that there are more than two sexes; each of us possesses our own. He also raises interesting questions and deals with them imaginatively. His essay "What is Good Sex?" will make any reader think twice about a simple gymnastic answer. The essays began as speeches and, thus, have an oral "flavor." Since he deals with controversial topics, not everyone will agree with his opinions. (I personally think he is on the wrong track when it comes to pornography.) I doubt that ariyone, however, can deny the validity of his impulses and humanity. He clearly gives great thought to the problems of manhood in a post-sexist society, a society he hopes to help create. His published works here and in the new classic anthology, For Men Against Sexism, will, I hope, play an important part in such an act of recreation. -- From Independent Publisher

From Library Journal

In this collection of 13 essays, radical feminist Stoltenberg speaks openly and explicitly on male sexual identity and its interrelation with rape, war, abortion , homophobia, pornography, and injustice. His premise is that male sexual identity is a political and ethical construction connected to male supremacy. Based mostly on speeches delivered at colleges, community organizations, and regional and national conferences, his essays exhort individuals, especially men, to learn a new ethic and to examine their acts in view of the consequences for others. This book will enlighten, please, and anger readers.
- Jeris Cassel, Rutgers Univ. Lib., New Brunswick, N.J.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Plume
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0452010438
• ISBN 13: 9780452010437
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192