Machoism Not Learned in Sweden

So I was all ready, set, go on another topic. I decided after reading  part of an article I wanted to write about something I find serious, which is machoism.To help cause any less confusion, this is based off of my opinions, feelings, knowledge, and experiences. Do not take everything I say as fact. I apologize if you feel like I am preaching to the choir after reading this... or maybe I'm not. We should all want better for our communities.

I believe in equality and being kind to others. I believe in marriage equality and I am not alone. Whether you agree with me on gay rights and equality is a moot point when it comes to respecting others, even when you don't agree. Over a year ago I read a letter written by the ever so intelligent Chris Kluwe, who at that time was the punter for the Minnesota Vikings. The thoughtful letter was written in response to a Maryland delegate who shared some not so progressive and insensitive statements on a professional athlete's publicly shared belief to legalize gay marriage.What a catch right?! I mean a professional athlete who is smart and stands up for gay rights, not to forget is seriously handsome to boot. Well he was fired most likely for his continued public support of marriage equality. Where machoism comes into the story is how some of the other Vikings treated Kluwe and what they said to him because of his support. They shared their macho attitudes and intolerance for a couple of gay men kissing, etc. He remembered his coach saying, "We should round up all the gays, send them to an island, and then nuke it until it glows." In my opinion statements like this should never be made aloud even if you're evil enough to think them. Article Link


Another example of machoism I have come across recently is extremely graphic. A newscaster on Fox news was caught saying how he'd give it to this missing girl one can only assume he was supposed to be reporting about. His language was explicit. He was fired thankfully. The fact that to a good chunk of men that it would have been okay for him to have said those things to other men off camera is what really bothers me. To me, men like these exist when they do not have firm parents who teach their children respect for others and equality of gender. Why do some parents feel the need to teach their sons how to "man up" when all they are is just an adolescent? And since when is teaching the degradation of women to children ever okay? Some may argue that peers have a big impact and I agree. However because of how my parents raised me and now being a parent myself, I am shocked, ashamed, and do not participate in the type of behavior or words used in this video. Video Link

My point is that machoism is a learned behavior in the US, but one seldom learned here. Why is that? Well ladies and gents, it seems that women are actually valued as equals here. A lot of men do not seem to teach their sons here that women are just for sex or that it's okay to use smutty language towards a girl. Parents seemingly do not teach their boys they have to be tough and strong and treat girls as anything other than equals. Gender neutrality is a big thing. In the toy advertisements, they have boys playing with barbies and girl playing with trains, legos, cars, etc. Boys wear tutus if they want, they are given tea sets for their birthday, and can like My Little Pony if they want without an eye-raise. And you know what? That's they way it should be. Heck Anton is more of a feminist than I am sometimes. It's really a beautiful thing. Men receive an equal "maternity" leave here; 240 days which is about 8 months. Raising children is a respected practice in Sweden and from what I have seen and in my experiences, children are taught the same way regardless of gender. What father wants his daughter to be sexually assaulted or treated poorly by a man? Would you want your daughter to be viewed only as bed-mate? So why does machoism even exist? Ultimately I think machoism is a choice. A macho man generally thinks about himself, his needs, and getting laid by the hottest chick he sees. But that theme is so tired. Who really wants that disrespectful bad boy anymore? Let's face it ladies, nothing is sexier then a man who actually cares about your feelings, needs, and desires. A man who actually wants children and is excited to help you raise them. Hopefully you feel the way I do and you vow to raise your children better than that, you want them to learn above all love and acceptance.

Our own Swedish dad