Summary Of The Feminine Antidote

The roots of most of our problems are found in our society and culture through the expectations they make us believe we need to follow. Jonathan Anderson discusses the harm that a patriarchal society does to both men and women. In the article “The Feminine Antidote: Reflections on Masculinity, Patriarchy, and Feminism” Anderson states that patriarchal societies force men to hide all the emotional and vulnerable parts of themselves and teach them to use anger and dominance as the only form of self-expression. He argues that this mindset hurts men even though its purpose is to give men an advantage. The only men that this type of society aids are those who can meet such impractical expectations. In “Traditional Ideas of Masculinity are Poisoning Our Society. There Is Another Way” Howard Cunnell goes on to say that the disappointment of not receiving the benefits promised by this society prompts many men to become even more violent, depressed, and angry. He claims that these unsatisfied men are the ones who end up in prison.
While in prison, Masters became a Buddhist and took a bodhisattva vow, which meant that he would be there for others who are suffering or in distress. Cunnell believes that Masters is a good role model to men because even after being so angry and hurt to the point where it landed him in prison, Masters confronted his pain and emptiness and turned it into something that supported others. Anderson also refers to the idea that men have to open up and acknowledge the damage that the patriarchal society has caused them. He states that the only way to resist the patriarchy is to understand and value true