Summary:
In Male fixations, Dave Barry argued that most guys believe that they’re supposed to know how to fix things. For example, one day a guy’s wife tell him that there is something wrong with the commode, it is making a loud groaning noise. The guy strides in, removes the tank cover and checks the commode parts. He announces that there is “nothing” wrong with the commode with a guy mechanical understanding tone. Barry never fixes anything because he announced that he had tonsillitis in the ninth grade, he missed the opportunity which other guys learned about mechanical things in the auditorium. He is intimidated by mechanical guys such as his roommate in college, Bob. One time Bob went into his room, opened the toolbox and started fixing the transmission. The transmission reworked in the end, whereas Barry still knew nothing. Another experience was about the boat trailer. The salesman told Barry that he should re-pack the bearings every so many miles. It was the ability that all guys have inborn. But the truth is that Barry never ever knew what a bearing is. Barry’s point about fixations is to deny that there’s ever anything wrong with anything. Barry’s wife, Beth, does not know the mechanical problems of him. Every time there is something wrong, Barry doesn’t admit that he know nothing. Just find a reason like “that’s the grommet bearing.” He thinks guys have a natural tendency to act as though they are in control of the situation even when they’re not, just like what he acts to the hall light switch problem.
Response:
In traditional society, people think guys all have ability to fix everything. “Male fixations” is an article giving us an example that not every man knows how to fix things. Does every man should have ability to fix things, even the mechanical things like carburetors, valves, splines, gaskets, ratchets, grommets, etc.? My answer is “No, they don’t.” It’s just a traditional thinking. There are many women who can fix things by themselves because they have congenital ability or even they have some education about mechanical engineering. Some guys may announce that he know everything, however, he knows nothing. They think that guy who can’t fix things are not really man and will be laughed. So they choose a way just like Barry said, “I think guys have a natural tendency to act as though they are in control of the situation even when they’re not, just like what he acts to the hall light switch problem.” I don’t think it’s a good idea. Instead, if you don’t know how to fix it, you can admit it honestly. I think its better telling the truth rather than let things get worse. Fix things is an additional ability, not everyone can control. Whether a man can fix things or not won’t influence him becomes a real man.
After reading your article, I think I totally agree with you. In my opinion, I don’t think things will become better if men pretend that they know how to fix it. Therefore, I suggest men have to admit it without any doubt. However, some people with traditional thinking might at them absolutely. For me, I think they have no rights to do that. Not everyone knows how to do anything, so it also means that men have the responsibility to know how to fix things. Just like what you wrote,” There are many women who can fix things by themselves because they have congenital ability or even they have some education about mechanical engineering.” Consequently, men don’t have to pretend that they know how to fix everything, which really waste your time.
回覆刪除In fact, admitting it directly and thinking about how to solve the problem with your wife or girlfriend is definitely easier than pretending as possible as you can. Men don’t have to feel shame because “Fix things is an additional ability, not everyone can control. Whether a man can fix things or not won’t influence him becomes a real man.” In conclusion, men must remember not to pretend next time. If you don’t have that ability, just admit it directly.
It is common to see a man like this. Men always perform like that they can do everything by themselves. If you have any problems, you don’t have to worry. You can call them and you will hear, “I can help you. It is easy.” Even though they don’t know how to fix the machine, they will still say so.
回覆刪除I don’t know why men are so arrogant and stubborn about fixing. They have better just like you say that they could admit it honestly. We are no fool enough to believe that every man know how to fix. Maybe, women give too much pressure to men and make them become like that.
In other hand, I personally think that the society should apologize to the men. The sexual discrimination is the chief offender. It makes men should know everything especially in fixing. If we are open enough, we will realize we need to treat men and women equally.
In my opinion, I really support gender equality. If the men know everything, so do women. The next time before women are asking for help to the men, you should not give them so much pressure. That is not men’s responsibility to fix thing for you.