[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 04:30 am (UTC)(link)
I think just about the whole world needs to study Herbivore Men (and I can I just say, what a FANTASTIC name for themselves).

[identity profile] the-sun-is-up.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 04:45 am (UTC)(link)
I approve of this! I've often thought that the next wave of feminism ought to belong to the men, as it's about time they got rid of some of their own harmful stereotypes.

[identity profile] onerottenpeach.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:25 am (UTC)(link)
This is soooo not news (most of the guys I met outside of school in Japan 3 years ago were herbivore men), but more people definitely need to hear about it, and I'm really glad people are recognizing the trend/movement. In my experience, though, a lot of the guys tend to get a little to carried away with the stereotypes within the herbivore culture which sort of negates what they're trying to do, sadly.

But Japan in general is making a lot of interesting progress in terms of gender and sexual identification. Like I said, a lot of the guys I met outside of school were "herbivore," but most females I met outside of school were "carnivore" (though I'm sure me being part of the LGBT scene there sort of contributed to that). A lot of what I studied and experienced while in Japan was pretty disheartening in terms of gender roles, but I think the younger generations are really trying to make a difference, which is great to see and sort of vaguely be a part of.

Also sorry if this is long and rambley, I'm maybe a little wasted. :o

[identity profile] onerottenpeach.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
I just realized how I sounded like a huge jerk when I said "This is soooo not news." I'm sorry! That wasn't directed at you but at the American media because it seems like they're always so behind on anything that's not directly related to the US.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
That is really interesting to hear. And this is the first I've heard of herbivore men, though I'm certainly not surprised to hear that it's been going on for a while.

And for all Japan's entrenched gender roles, I really do think that there is a lot of people who are looking for new ways to do things.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
Well, it did give me pause, I admit.

And yeah, our new is INSANELY US-centric. Past the point of myopia.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
I don't know about 'belonging' to the men, but I think it's certainly time to start dismantling out dated and unhealthy sterotypes on both sides of the gender divide.

[identity profile] qualapec.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:43 am (UTC)(link)
This is extremely interesting. One from just the standpoint that the trend is getting attention (which I think is kind of cool) and the other from the standpoint that these guys are described as 'emo' but not carnivorous. This is interesting when compared to the American emo culture.

While my experience with the emo subculture IS limited to my school and area...they tend to be MORE amorous than other groups. They don't really see anything wrong with sex and seem to have more.

Again, probably a generalization. But the article itself was kind of a generalization, and I think it's interesting how the generalizations compare.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:47 am (UTC)(link)
That cultural difference is very interesting.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
*nods*

It's always the youth who lead the way.

[identity profile] onerottenpeach.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 06:05 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, there are definitely a lot of people in Japan actively trying to dismantle gender stereotypes and roles, which was a really pleasant surprise.

And I'm really sorry for coming across so rudely about the not news thing! That's really embarrassing, especially since a good 3/4 of the time I'm not aware of other global news.

Anyway, thanks for spreading the good word.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 06:07 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, it's fine.

Actually, right now I'm making an effort to be more aware of news in general - I'm reading a couple blogs/websites and listening to NPR more.

[identity profile] goldengrimoire.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 08:04 am (UTC)(link)
I think this is really interesting, and it's good to see that progress is being made in breaking down gender stereotypes. It's sad that there were so many negative comments about the story over there, however.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
That is one reason I rarely read comments on news sites like that.

They ALWAYS seem to be bad.

[identity profile] ryanitenebrae.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 12:53 pm (UTC)(link)
That is absolutely awesome. Japan has had issues with gender roles for a long time, and it actually tends to be easier(not necessarily by much) for females to escape them, based on what I've heard and read, due to the majority of the pressure resting on male shoulders. I'm really, really glad that these men are taking a step against these gender roles in order to establish that their identities are theirs rather than signs of weakness. Like I said, awesome.

[identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com 2009-06-11 11:39 pm (UTC)(link)
*nods*

I think it's easier in general for women to take on more masculine roles because masculinity is still prized - it's a large harder for feminine individuals (men or women) to be respected.