|
|
New Men/New Roles.
Year Published: 1980Resource Type: Book Cx Number: CX1073 Abstract: New Man/New Roles is the title of a book by Perry and Elizabeth Yoder; it was also the title of a conference held at the Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg. According to the Yoders, the church has not yet realized that the personality traits of the men whom our North American society considers successful are in contrast with the life and teachings of Jesus. Bryan Teixeira pointed out that intelligent and flexible loving characterized by the courage to be beyond male and female, is possible when the "Almighty Roles" and other idols of success and power are set aside. Conference participants spent time in small groups personalizing and sharing their experiences around leadership, peace, sexuality, and success. It becomes clear as the conference progressed that no amount of human liberation can come about without changing the system of patriarchy which dominates by means of unequal opporunities, rewards, punishments, and the internalization of sex roles. George Lakey encouraged a community context to develop multi-dimensional relationships and to learn to accept all the love that is available for us. He also reminded the participants that men's liberation is a systemic and not just a personal issue: a reminder that makes the road a change more possible and less destructive of persons. |