3 ms·
The term feminisation as used in the article title is actually not what you think it is. I'm not in your head, but I would guess you're associating feminisation
by ffn 11y ago
The term feminisation as used in the article title is actually not what you think it is. I'm not in your head, but I would guess you're associating feminisation with being nicer, less aggressive, less violent, less hateful, more loving, more caring, prettier, and other such positive things (which incidentally are more associated with oxytocin than the xenoestrogens, bpas, and whatnot that they're talking about), but here, feminisation strictly means a hormonal imbalance.
You can argue the accuracy and the validity of the science all you want, but the observed effects of this so-called "feminisation" is penis-related birth defects for boys and earlier puberty + menopause for girls. You are, of course, entitled to your own opinions and views on this matter, but as a man, I personally would prefer to have as large and functional penis as naturally possible.
- Cushman 11y agoThis could be more charitable. The very first sentence of the linked article says "less likely to play with boys' toys like cars or to join in rough and tumble games", so it would be reasonable to assume they're talking about behavioral changes is that vein. So to be completely fair, I'd break it up into two parts: 1) Given our current understanding of endocrinology, anything that alters the hormonal balance of children is probably not what you'd call a "good idea". 2) However, if something were to make the behavioral patterns of male children more closely resemble those of female children, that effect might not be bad for a society. And I'll put forward, hesitantly, that the strong pushback against this idea has less to do with the obvious (1) and more to do with the deeply controversial (2).
- acjohnson55 11y agoThis definitely captures the spirit of my off-the-cuff remark, thanks. If some sort of "social feminization" were a productive idea (and I'm not saying I truly believe it is), I wouldn't advocate accomplishing it through medication, let alone haphazard doses of environmental chemicals.