On the surface Terry Crews has all the makings of a "real man." At 46 years old he's in ridiculously good shape, and his absurd strength has helped him be successful in football and in Hollywood. But more important than Crews living up to traditional standards of masculinity is his outspokenness in tearing those same standards down.
During an interview at the What Makes A Man 2014: Maps to Manhood conference, Crews spoke about feminism and gender norms. His takes are refreshingly progressive, especially considering he's thrived in two industries that push a constricting narrative of what it is to be a true man. Here are a few excerpts that drive home his points.
On feminism:
I think the big thing about feminism is that it scares men because, you know—the big deal is that people are scared of being controlled...I want to be clear that feminism is not saying "women are better than men." That's not what's going on...What it is is that we're talking about gender equality, true gender equality...but the problem is that men have always felt like they're more valuable...I have been that guy where I felt I was more valuable than my wife and kids.
On the harmful effects of masculinity norms:
He was suffering from the same thing I suffered from ... "I'm a man, and I gotta look like a man. And I can't admit that I'm afraid. I can't say that I'm weak. I can't say that I'm tired. I'm not allowed to say I'm sleepy, or I'm hurt, or I can't handle this."
I said, "I gotta speak out." When I cracked that egg for my son, he was free. And I've been learning to keep cracking that egg for myself. ... I promised myself I would never say, "I got this. Yeah, I know what I'm doing." I will never say that because that's the moment you are ready to fall. You always have to keep a moment where that pride is out of here.
The entire thing is worth watching, and while you're at it check out his new book, Manhood: How to Be A Better Man - Or Just Live With One.
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[via Jezebel]
