Japan and Androgyny

[Frederic Vial]

Professor Miyake referenced the increase in androgynous males in Japan that has been occuring for years.  I asked her opinion regarding what the motivations, causes for this might be and followed-up by asking her what Japan's current birthrate showed.  She menitioned it was less than 2%.  She approached me during break to futher discuss the topic.  I mentioned to her that I didn't feel this was a phenomenon exclusive to Japan.  In Italy, there has been a negative birthrate for many years.  Since gender roles is one of, if not the main, topics surrounding this summit/seminar, it would be of value to examine the psychological effects and shifts regarding gender role identifications/classifications have had on men.  Professor Miyake expressed that WWII had much to do with the confidence of the male in Japan citing the sense of shame endured amongst males in Japan for generations.  I found this point fascinating and one that I had not thought of.  I expressed that studies have shown a lowering of testoterone among males in various countries and wondered if this, coupled with lowering birthrates, might also be a contributing factor to more and more males identifying with androgyny.  I'm not suggesting this is the main reason for declining birthrates in certain geographical areas.  Obviously, women entering the work force in larger numbers, getting married later (if at all) are contributing factos.  However, data has also shown the relativity of the male, or lack thereof, is effecting the biological and, by extension, reproductive capabilities of our species.  The idea or notion of uplifting the positivities of being a woman, of which I wholeheartedly support, ought not be derived from the demasculation of the male, something that's been occuring for years, certainly in the US.  Most commercials, for example, depict men as oblivious, idiotic, clueless and irrelative.  Finding a balance is essential.  As teachers, guarding against this trend, along with all forms of indoctrination, is one of our most important tasks.  The "collectivism" taking place in the name of diversity, equality has a double-edged sword - the negation and eradication of the "individual" and reduction his/her freedom of expression and the eventual creative spirit - is not something to be ignored.  History has shown that throwing the baby out with the bath water has never worked, but has simply created newer longer-lasting problems (i.e. WWI --> Treaty of Versailles --> WWII).  This is why moving the needle cautiously is always of paramount importance when invoking and/or advocating for any type of change, unless it associates with crimes against humanity (obviously).