Masculine Empire

by Peter J. Adams

This book provides a unique insight into the sense of superiority, the 'masculine empire' which underpins men's sense of entitlement to being in charge in their homes. It explores ways in which men approach intimate relationships, their allegiance to their like-minded mates, and the role of male friendships in maintaining positions of power and capturing women in oppressive situations. It flips explanations for violence from what is happening in the minds of individual 'bad' men to a broader exploration of the social world of men. The book illustrates what can happen to both men and omen hen male oppression goes too far. It also looks at options men might take for turning away from their controlling and violent behaviour.

317 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Sarah Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most challenging review for me so far. I'm conflicted with Adams' thorough and defined explanation of our Masculine Empire and how men use violence to keep women in line, the dialogue he created within the book benefitting the reader to get into the minds of five male friends regularly meeting in a pub... Adams pretends to over-hear their conversations which torments my own inner battle and unfair judgment of their stupidity and lack of intelligence (these characters don't exist but they do in my mind and I'm not happy about it), my wish to be taught the book from an educational point-of-view and an overwhelming urge to be able to have conversation with others on the book... I question would this impact my overall review? FFS. Not to mention it challenged and correlated with me personally, understanding masculinity in my own family through the generations and what outcomes that has had and still has on our family unit. Selfish of me but honest, yes. I bumped it up to four stars, far more deserving than three maybe it even needs five? Catholic upbringing guilt.

I can't dismiss how clever Adams is. He's "a clinical psychologist, a group facilitator and a researcher with situations involving violence against women. He has published two sole-authored books previously, one on gambling, the other on addiction." I'm at his mercy, this man knows his shit. Bravo.

I have read a few positive reviews. I've also read a lot of negative comments on the book from males judging the book not on its cover, on its title. It's got to hurt them when you think about it. This is their terrain being attacked and defensive tactics are all they've got I'mma afraid. Posting links to violence women towards men, comments on what treacherous creatures women are, hating on Adams for revealing the root of society's violent problems without reading the book... and not surprisingly, giving feminists or feminazis a well-deserved knocking and hate, hate, hate is the general agenda and unintelligible discourse... ugh! Ironically, are we seeing masculinity on the internet at its finest? Yes. No surprises there. Totally dismissing the impact masculinity has on men and women collectively wouldn't enter their "she'll be fucking right" fists or their equivalent in words. Stupid, you would think.

Note, these characters are real men and as we commonly see, hide behind the protection that the internet permits. Again, I find myself battling on the inside. A few breathing exercises later... I notice Adams has on board Te Kupenga / National Network of Stopping Violence and White Ribbon for supporting this publication. To not read this book is a giant disservice to humans and supports not understanding the roots behind our violent problems. Gender battles will always reign. It takes someone like Adams who sits above the battles, God-like, to explain the what, the WTFs and the why we are shaped the way we are. It is a NZ book yet it can charter its destination globally. Most countries are governed by power and masculinity are they not!?! The suppression and oppression of males and females displays itself behind violence. We really need to understand this at its core. The male superiority complex formed by the Empire (bastards) has entitled men to set the precedent of ruling the roost by controlling women, secondary stupid creatures and keeping them in line or else they'll get the bully fist. We are all appalled by the school yard bully, why are we not appalled by the global grown-man bully? Yes, we can't dismiss violence women against men but extend your thoughts a little wider if that's possible, to the abominable violence men against men and men against women... it is by far a bigger problem that you or I cannot fix. At what pains will your children suffer? You say no to gay parents full of love but you say yes to brutal and frustratingly annoying silenced male-dominated homes. Dad said the other day I wonder how damaged Elton John's children will be when they grow up. No worse than fucking I Dad you would hope cause masculinity has really embraced me as a child and woman.

WAKE UP. SHUT UP protecting your gendered stereotype and help. If there's anything you can do as a human, instead of rearing your fists, show the people your heart and emotions if you dare. There's a whole bunch of people waiting to celebrate you when you do.

Now, where's the fucking vodka?

I would like you all to know I love my Dad and males. I don't however love masculinity, thank you for validating my reasoning, Peter Adams, a fine job.