http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/10/07/why-does-america-have-so-many-peter-pan-men/

Abstract: This article is about how the number of men who can consider stereotypical "Prince Charming" has decreased over the past years, telling that many men seem to suffer from peter pan syndrome (not wanting to grow up.) They use statistics that exemplify the number of gamers ages 25 and up compared to the number of gamers that are younger. This article states that as women continue to climb in terms of their place in the office (earning more equal wages and getting better promotions than men) the number of men who are doing well in their careers seems to be declining. The article asks the important question, "does feminism in America today have an effect on men?" This article also explores the subject of men paying during dates asking if that rule should hold true when the women is in a better financial situation.

1. Does Feminism and female empowerment in the workplace have anything to do with American men and "peter pan" syndrome?
2. Is it insulting towards women that men always pay for dinner?
3. Can women sometimes hold men to unrealistic standards in terms of their career and status in the same way that men often hold women to unrealistic body standards?
4. What does this article say about the stereotypical "stupid guy" exemplified in movies such as "The Hangover?"
5. What other aspects of today’s media could be influencing men to have "peter pan" syndrome?
6. Make a prediction about the future of chivalry if men continue to decline in terms of their careers?






Kekoa’s Response: This article, though mainly about men refusing to grow up while women continue to succeed in America, brings up many issues about gender roles, and whether or not they would change as the world changes. If this article is correct, and an accurately predicts that women will become on average much more successful than men, then what will happen to chivalrous customs such as men paying for dinner? Moving on to a more article specific point, as a male, the mention of video games especially bothers me. Through my childhood, I never had video games due to my parent’s dislike of them, and today I am proud to say that I am not a gamer. The idea that grown men sit at home and play videogames when they could be working on their careers is disturbing to me because it only feeds into the archetype of the “stupid guy.” This article should be a wakeup call to all unmotivated men round the U.S.


Mie's Response: In this course we have been focusing on feminism and bringing power to women. However, I did not realize it could have an effect on men. I do not completely agree with this article as it blames the entire downfall of men on women. If women rise to their independence, it does not mean men have to feel lesser than women. It is their own choices that makes them lazy and lack ambition. Women spoke out to be recognized as an equal, not necessarily a superior. However, I feel that women should be able to be treated with chivalry and be gracious that a man held the door open for them. If someone does something nice for you, it does not mean they think you are beneath them. It is an act of kindness that should be given and received by both genders. Although people are equals, doesn't mean respect shouldn't be given to each other.