Society

Masculinity 'crisis' sorts out China's men from the boys

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-07 12:03

Education flaws

Although scholars are divided, they all point to the flaws in the country's exam-oriented education system.

Sun Yunxiao wants educators to pay more attention to character building and physical fitness as a balance to the "girl-friendly" nature of the education system.

"Boys' nature is systematically oppressed when teachers prefer students who can study hard. Physical activities are often seen as deviant. Many boys who are mischievous and rebel are criticized and punished," Sun says.

Professor Feng Gang, of Zhejiang University, says problems such as the lack of discipline, courage and sense of responsibility might apply to boys and girls.

"We need to find a way to ease the academic burden on our children. Both educators and parents should pay more attention to the all-round development of our children," says Feng.

Yang Jianhua, from Zhejiang Sociological Society, blames family environment too. "In many one-child families, kids are spoiled by their parents and grandparents. It is detrimental to the development of their character.

"Boys only become real men when they are left to stand on their own feet, learn to face life's troubles and become responsible individuals."

The management style of West Point Boys camp could set an example for Chinese parents to learn when and how to be tough with their boys.

Feminine models

Another widely-criticized phenomenon is the feminization of male role models.

"It is catastrophic that you see more and more fair skinned and soft featured boys with their eyebrows plucked and nails polished on the screen", wrote psychiatrist Liu Xiaozhen, of the Beijing Yuxinyuan Psychological Consultation Center, on her personal website. "For many boys, looking and behaving like a girl is almost a fad."

In 2010, teenage cross-dresser Liu Zhu became famous overnight after his appearance in the talent show "Happy Boys" which is a Chinese version of "American Idol".

Liu, who looks, behaves and dresses like a girl caused a nationwide sensation.

Yang Jianhua thinks China's media should provide more masculine male role models as the "feminine" attraction of male idols can be misleading for boys in their formative years.

Li Yinhe, however, finds nothing wrong with boys expressing feminine beauty.

"The blurring gender divide is a global trend as the world economy is becoming more knowledge-based. Many traditionally cherished masculine qualities, such as physical strength and raw bravery, are not as favored as they were in agrarian and tribal societies," she says.

"The cross-dressing sensation in the media is just a legitimate form of entertainment. It is okay for people to express their unique reality in front of the public as long as it is within the rule of law," Li says.