International Men's Day 19th November

El_Duderino 09 · 07-11-2019 10:41am #1

"On November 19 International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being."
https://internationalmensday.com/

"International Men’s Day in the UK provides a fantastic opportunity for you to:

Highlight some serious issues affecting men and boys and their wellbeing
Make a difference to men and boys’ lives
Celebrate Britain’s men and boys in all their diversity
Have some serious fun"

"In the UK, the theme and focus remains on how we can make a difference to men and boys, and, how we can give men and boys better life chances by addressing some of the issues that affect Men and Boys such as:

The high male suicide rate
The challenges faced by boys and men at all stages of education including attainment
Men’s health (including male cancers), shorter life expectancy and workplace deaths
The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society (for instance, homeless men, boys in care and the high rate of male deaths in custody)
Male victims of violence, including sexual violence
The challenges faced by men as parents, particularly new fathers and separated fathers
Male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based crime, stalking and slavery
The negative portrayal of men, boys and fathers"

https://ukmensday.org.uk/

How do you plan to mark IMD this year? Anyone can get involved by taking part in events or mentioning it to friends and helping shape attitudes towards the serious issues which men face.

Feel free to express your appreciation for the good men who have made a difference in your life and the lives of others.

My role models have included my Dad. He was loving and caring and had the ability to be hard nosed in business and still nurture young talent. He was never afraid of change and embraced modernity and always had time for a good chat.

buckwheat · 07-11-2019 11:03am

What a load of steaming horse ****

Imo:)

The Tetrarch · 07-11-2019 11:05am

Do I have to grow a moustache?

El_Duderino 09 · 07-11-2019 11:14am

The Tetrarch wrote: »

Do I have to grow a moustache?

You can if you like. The Movember charity is there to raise awareness of men's health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide. So its a pretty good cause imo.

But no, you don't have to do anything.

Robert_Beach · 07-11-2019 11:18am

Movember was discontinued in our workplace last year after operating for numerous previous years. I thought it cringey but meh, always threw them a few quid.

But apparently it excluded people who, well can't grow a tash. So it's gone. We have a cake sale for a cancer charity for all now.

I don't think any International Mens Day stuff would fly.

Bobblehats · 07-11-2019 11:27am

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 11:42am

I think it's a great initiative.

Poor_old_gill · 07-11-2019 11:48am

I detest this nonsense - I detest this nonsense as much as I hate International Women's day.

This almost constant gender point scoring just serves to take away from the real issue of class division that we have in this and other countries.

"Look everyone we have a female CEO of a big company"

"But wouldn't she, as a well qualified and educated individual, have been well paid anyway? And also this does nothing to solve issues like wealth inequality and homelessness"

"Look everyone we have a female billionaire"

"But that just means another billionaire, we should be trying to reduce the concentration of such wealth in individual hands"

"But ...but.. it's a woman and not a man this time that is screwing you over"

"Well, when you put it like that - I dont mind stepping over the bodies of deceased homeless people this winter"

razorblunt · 07-11-2019 11:51am

Ridiculous.

When is International Women's Day ... rabblerabblerabble.

Ficheall · 07-11-2019 11:56am

More importantly - November 19th is World Toilet Day.

https://www.worldtoiletday.info/

jimgoose · 07-11-2019 12:01pm

I shall have not have hand, act or part in this bullfaggotry.

Elmer Blooker · 07-11-2019 12:06pm

buckwheat wrote: »

What a load of steaming horse ****

Imo:)

I wouldn't worry about it, men tend not to be attention seekers anyhow and it will go unnoticed.

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 12:08pm

razorblunt wrote: »

Ridiculous.

When is International Women's Day ... rabblerabblerabble.

What's ridiculous about it?

Anything that helps highlights the shockingly high suicide rate in men and depression is to be applauded.

bcklschaps · 07-11-2019 12:32pm

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

"On November 19 International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being."
https://internationalmensday.com/

"International Men’s Day in the UK provides a fantastic opportunity for you to:
Highlight some serious issues affecting men and boys and their wellbeing

Make a difference to men and boys’ lives

Celebrate Britain’s men and boys in all their diversity

Have some serious fun"

"In the UK, the theme and focus remains on how we can make a difference to men and boys, and, how we can give men and boys better life chances by addressing some of the issues that affect Men and Boys such as:
The high male suicide rate

The challenges faced by boys and men at all stages of education including attainment

Men’s health (including male cancers), shorter life expectancy and workplace deaths

The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society (for instance, homeless men, boys in care and the high rate of male deaths in custody)

Male victims of violence, including sexual violence

The challenges faced by men as parents, particularly new fathers and separated fathers

Male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based crime, stalking and slavery

The negative portrayal of men, boys and fathers"

https://ukmensday.org.uk/

How do you plan to mark IMD this year? Anyone can get involved by taking part in events or mentioning it to friends and helping shape attitudes towards the serious issues which men face.

Feel free to express your appreciation for the good men who have made a difference in your life and the lives of others.

My role models have included my Dad. He was loving and caring and had the ability to be hard nosed in business and still nurture young talent. He was never afraid of change and embraced modernity and always had time for a good chat.

Fair play.

Anything that throws some light on the increasingly tough time men are having in society. Some shocking statistics regarding male suicide and homelessness.

Other stuff like mens lack of parental rights and the disparity of health spending allocated to male gender specific ailments are blatantly unfair too.

Raconteuse · 07-11-2019 12:55pm

buckwheat wrote: »

What a load of steaming horse ****

Imo:)

razorblunt wrote: »

Ridiculous.

When is International Women's Day ... rabblerabblerabble.

People don't ask that question - they ask when is international men's day.

But as this thread shows, it's clearly the women/feminists who are to blame for the poor coverage of men's issues.

Robert_Beach · 07-11-2019 2:18pm

Raconteuse wrote: »

But as this thread shows, it's clearly the women/feminists who are to blame for the poor coverage of men's issues.

Does it?

Plumbthedepths · 07-11-2019 2:27pm

Anything that highlights the high level of male suicide is a good thing.

Deaths on the roads are less than half the rate of suicide yet road deaths get more attention and focused prevention measures.
149 died on the roads 2018 ( male/female)
352 males died by suicide 2018.
CSO figures.

Raconteuse · 07-11-2019 3:40pm

Robert_Beach wrote: »

Does it?

Sarcasm. Usually men's issues get blamed on feminism or on women having it easier. Yet look at this thread with complete dismissal of international men's day.

What could be horse **** about highlighting these things for sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, partners, grandfathers, nephews, friends?

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 3:42pm

Raconteuse wrote: »

People don't ask that question - they ask when is international men's day.

But as this thread shows, it's clearly the women/feminists who are to blame for the poor coverage of men's issues.

Apart from some ignorant comments earlier, I really don't see that.

EDIT; Sarcasm detector not working today

SEPT 23 1989 · 07-11-2019 3:45pm

Every day is men's day according to her indoors

07-11-2019 3:49pm

Raconteuse wrote: »

Sarcasm. Usually men's issues get blamed on feminism or on women having it easier. Yet look at this thread with complete dismissal of international men's day.

What could be horse **** about highlighting these things for sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, partners, grandfathers, nephews, friends?

It's horse**** because people are aware of these issues already. Having a designated "day" is unnecessary in my opinion and is just marketing.

I'm delighted that people will talk about the issues men face and the problems that are exclusive to men, but sadly, it will be talked about for one day and then it will be back to normal.

I think that you would LIKE to think that men are blaming feminism for men's issues but the vast majority of men do no such thing.

I myself have an issue with feminism in its current form but that is not the same as blaming it for mens problems.

Woshy · 07-11-2019 3:52pm

On International Women's day my boss and one of my colleagues bought the women in the office cakes to mark the occasion. It was lovely! So we're going to get some cakes in for them, and of course, eat them all together. It's nice to have a reason to all sit down together and check in on each other.

Otherwise I will be saying thanks to the good men in my life - my father, my husband and my son.

Lillyfae · 07-11-2019 3:59pm

Poor_old_gill wrote: »

I detest this nonsense - I detest this nonsense as much as I hate International Women's day.

This almost constant gender point scoring just serves to take away from the real issue of class division that we have in this and other countries.

"Look everyone we have a female CEO of a big company"

"But wouldn't she, as a well qualified and educated individual, have been well paid anyway? And also this does nothing to solve issues like wealth inequality and homelessness"

"Look everyone we have a female billionaire"

"But that just means another billionaire, we should be trying to reduce the concentration of such wealth in individual hands"

"But ...but.. it's a woman and not a man this time that is screwing you over"

"Well, when you put it like that - I dont mind stepping over the bodies of deceased homeless people this winter"

Genders are adversely affected by different issues, I see no problem with decreasing the margins in that respect- who would?

Muahahaha · 07-11-2019 4:10pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Anything that highlights the high level of male suicide is a good thing.

Deaths on the roads are less than half the rate of suicide yet road deaths get more attention and focused prevention measures.
149 died on the roads 2018 ( male/female)
352 males died by suicide 2018.
CSO figures.

You could double that figure and still not be at the true figure because a lot of suicides are not recorded as suicide at all and never make it into the CSO stats. 'Death by shotgun wound' and 'death by strangulation' is what coroners record them on death certificates as for fear of upsetting families with the more accurate 'suicide'. Same goes for many single car accidents ploughing straight into a wall at 3am, its recorded as a road traffic accident but the Gardai know it is a suicide when they dont see any skid marks on the road before the wall.

The stats not being recording properly means the official numbers are a lot lower than the unofficial ones. But it is the official CSO numbers that then informs government policy and funding.

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 4:10pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's horse**** because people are aware of these issues already. Having a designated "day" is unnecessary in my opinion and is just marketing.

I'm delighted that people will talk about the issues men face and the problems that are exclusive to men, but sadly, it will be talked about for one day and then it will be back to normal.

I think that you would LIKE to think that men are blaming feminism for men's issues but the vast majority of men do no such thing.

I myself have an issue with feminism in its current form but that is not the same as blaming it for mens problems.

Nah, it's nothing of the sort. What marketing gimmick is this day pushing?

It's a day to try and raise even more awareness for the issues I mentioned earlier and make it stick in the public consciousness.

And trust me, it's needed. The statistics are pretty shocking and has personally touched my own family.

Feminism, right or wrong and all that aul guff that goes along with that tired debate on both sides, has got nothing remotely to do with this.

Raconteuse · 07-11-2019 4:15pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It's horse**** because people are aware of these issues already. Having a designated "day" is unnecessary in my opinion and is just marketing.

I'm delighted that people will talk about the issues men face and the problems that are exclusive to men, but sadly, it will be talked about for one day and then it will be back to normal.

I think that you would LIKE to think that men are blaming feminism for men's issues but the vast majority of men do no such thing.

I myself have an issue with feminism in its current form but that is not the same as blaming it for mens problems.

It's not that I'd like it at all. The misogyny online depresses the sh1t out of me. Oh yeah I actually can't stand feminism today (and I'm not saying it's misogynist to have a problem with feminism) but I absolutely do see men blaming men's issues on women having it easier/deflected back in a hostile manner at women. Or blamed on feminism, which, odious as it may be today, is not to blame for men's issues. The marginalisation men feel is due to much older societal norms - the man as strong and invulnerable so he'll always be ok, etc.

But men themselves not taking men's issues seriously is part of the problem. It's men whom I mostly hear say "man up".

Now there are times feminism dishonestly claims to be about gender equality - it's not. It's about women's issues only, and I don't get why they don't just come out and say that. But that's no excuse for men not to try and address these issues themselves. They'll face allegations of women hating yes (just as the Suffragetes and women's lib movement faced allegations of man hating) but fuk It, keep fighting and try to keep a distance from the actual woman haters.

07-11-2019 4:18pm

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

Nah, it's nothing of the sort. What marketing gimmick is this day pushing?

It's a day to try and raise even more awareness for the issues I mentioned earlier and make it stick in the public consciousness.

And trust me, it's needed. The statistics are pretty shocking and has personally touched my own family.

Feminism, right or wrong and all that aul guff that goes along with that tired debate on both sides, has got nothing remotely to do with this.

We will have to agree to disagree. Maybe I am being cynical. I hope I am

But I do agree that the statistics are terrible and I am sorry to hear that your family has been affected. Mine has too and it is never easy.

I agree feminism has nothing to do with any of this. I said so in my last post. There will be some usual names trying to insidiously imply that men blame women on their problems but that's on them. It's their hobby. (not you raconteuse btw)

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 4:20pm

Deleted User wrote: »

We will have to agree to disagree. Maybe I am being cynical. I hope I am

But I do agree that the statistics are terrible and I am sorry to hear that your family has been affected. Mine has too and it is never easy.

I agree feminism has nothing to do with any of this. I said so in my last post. There are some usual names trying to insidiously imply that men blame women on their problems but that's on them. It's their hobby.

But nobody on this thread is doing that.

razorblunt · 07-11-2019 4:23pm

Raconteuse wrote: »

People don't ask that question - they ask when is international men's day.

But as this thread shows, it's clearly the women/feminists who are to blame for the poor coverage of men's issues.

Yes, I know. That's the joke. It's the first thing the "not all men" men shout on International Women's Day.

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

What's ridiculous about it?

Anything that helps highlights the shockingly high suicide rate in men and depression is to be applauded.

As per my previous e-mail response.

07-11-2019 4:25pm

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

But nobody on this thread is doing that.

I misread raconteuse. It was my bad. Plus I had multiple tabs open on similar topics. I'm going for a lie down. Never mind me.

El_Duderino 09 · 07-11-2019 4:28pm

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

Nah, it's nothing of the sort. What marketing gimmick is this day pushing?

It's a day to try and raise even more awareness for the issues I mentioned earlier and make it stick in the public consciousness.

And trust me, it's needed. The statistics are pretty shocking and has personally touched my own family.

Feminism, right or wrong and all that aul guff that goes along with that tired debate on both sides, has got nothing remotely to do with this.

I completely agree. Information shapes attitudes and opinions and thats what build pressure on politicians to address the issues facing men. The more people who want to see men’s issues addressed the more likely politicians are to act.

In short, activism works. If you want change, do something as small as spread the word so these important issues are not forgotten about after IMD.

One eyed Jack · 07-11-2019 4:40pm

Church on Tuesday wrote: »

What's ridiculous about it?

Anything that helps highlights the shockingly high suicide rate in men and depression is to be applauded.

What’s ridiculous about IMD IMO is that it is exactly that - a day where people who spend most of their time up their own arses emerge to give themselves a pat on the back for having gotten away with doing fcukall for another year under the guise of pretending to give a shìte about anyone else other than themselves.

You’ll generally find the same people turning up and gurning for selfies on IWD and DIL walks like those people who turn up at funerals even though they have no idea who the deceased is, because they’re more concerned with being seen to be ‘aware’ as opposed to ever actually having to get their hands dirty tackling anything that would actually require effort.

Bigbagofcans · 07-11-2019 4:48pm

One eyed Jack wrote: »

You’ll generally find the same people turning up and gurning for selfies on IWD and DIL walks like those people who turn up at funerals even though they have no idea who the deceased is, because they’re more concerned with being seen to be ‘aware’ as opposed to ever actually having to get their hands dirty tackling anything that would actually require effort.

Their main aim in life is to be seen as nice and aware on their carefully cultivated social media accounts.

They're the type who put up posts like 'Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.', when in actual fact they can be nasty to others in real life.

Woke Hogan · 07-11-2019 5:32pm

Bigbagofcans wrote: »

Their main aim in life is to be seen as nice and aware on their carefully cultivated social media accounts.

They're the type who put up posts like 'Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.', when in actual fact they can be nasty to others in real life.

All completely unproveable, of course. You're talking out of your hat.

Bigbagofcans · 07-11-2019 5:38pm

Woke Hogan wrote: »

All completely unproveable, of course. You're talking out of your hat.

Speaking from experience, Woke.

Church on Tuesday · 07-11-2019 7:46pm

One eyed Jack wrote: »

What’s ridiculous about IMD IMO is that it is exactly that - a day where people who spend most of their time up their own arses emerge to give themselves a pat on the back for having gotten away with doing fcukall for another year under the guise of pretending to give a shìte about anyone else other than themselves.

You’ll generally find the same people turning up and gurning for selfies on IWD and DIL walks like those people who turn up at funerals even though they have no idea who the deceased is, because they’re more concerned with being seen to be ‘aware’ as opposed to ever actually having to get their hands dirty tackling anything that would actually require effort.

Yeah, but who really cares about those kinds of people? Some people love to just have a good photo opportunity or to be seen to care. They have been around forever. How does that make International Men's Day ridiculous?

What about fair weather fans of just about any sport you like or people who post pics of their dinner?

These kinds of people are irrelevant; unlike a popular fad like the Ice Bucket challenge or No Makeup selfies, IMD is about trying to spread a consistent annual message about very real and stark issues for men today much like Movember did for a time.

The day itself and it's ethos can only be a good thing.

Calhoun · 07-11-2019 7:54pm

One eyed Jack wrote: »

What’s ridiculous about IMD IMO is that it is exactly that - a day where people who spend most of their time up their own arses emerge to give themselves a pat on the back for having gotten away with doing fcukall for another year under the guise of pretending to give a shìte about anyone else other than themselves.

You’ll generally find the same people turning up and gurning for selfies on IWD and DIL walks like those people who turn up at funerals even though they have no idea who the deceased is, because they’re more concerned with being seen to be ‘aware’ as opposed to ever actually having to get their hands dirty tackling anything that would actually require effort.

You have to start somewhere, positive discussion of men's issue shouldn't be looked down upon.

eviltwin · 07-11-2019 7:55pm

I think IMD is great and will be supporting it because I have a lot of amazing blokes in my life and I want to raise awareness and school myself in issues that affect them.

We have something planned in work, not sure what, but it will be about talking about how we are and starting conversations cause I know in my world the men I know could be going through hell and they will still say they are fine.

LirW · 07-11-2019 8:25pm

I'd say himself will be getting some head. You know, prostate cancer prevention.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2019 9:11am

There’s an event at Galway Mayo Institute if Technology on Tuesday 19th.

It’s a men’s health awareness event.

It’s free you just need to book tickets.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lunch-and-learn-for-international-mens-day-tickets-80112822609

Mad_maxx · 08-11-2019 9:44am

Bigbagofcans wrote: »

Their main aim in life is to be seen as nice and aware on their carefully cultivated social media accounts.

They're the type who put up posts like 'Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.', when in actual fact they can be nasty to others in real life.

Political correctness is all about looking good, doing good is entirely optional

08-11-2019 9:58am

Mad_maxx wrote: »

Political correctness is all about looking good, doing good is entirely optional

Sadly, I agree with you.

I would wager that the vast majority people who genuinely care about and actually do something to help men's issues don't publicise their efforts for fear of being lumped in with the "Oh look how much I care" brigade.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2019 10:36am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Sadly, I agree with you.

I would wager that the vast majority people who genuinely care about and actually do something to help men's issues don't publicise their efforts for fear of being lumped in with the "Oh look how much I care" brigade.

I’d say a lot of the ones who care and actually stick their head above the parapet by actually doing something, have to endure a lot of guff from people who share your attitude.

08-11-2019 10:53am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

I’d say a lot of the ones who care and actually stick their head above the parapet by actually doing something, have to endure a lot of guff from people who share your attitude.

Perhaps they do. And that is unfortunate. Doesn't negate my point though.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2019 11:01am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Perhaps they do. And that is unfortunate. Doesn't negate my point though.

Nor my point - that people with your attitude make it more difficult for people to advocate for men’s issues that they care about.

Without a doubt, men with your attitude are among the first opponents to advocating for men’s issues. It makes sense if you oppose advocacy for men’s issues. It’s a tragedy if you don’t.

08-11-2019 11:11am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

Not my point - that people with your attitude make it more difficult for people to advocate for men’s issues that they care about.

Without a doubt, men with your attitude are among the first opponents to advocating for men’s issues. It makes sense if you oppose advocacy for men’s issues. It’s a tragedy if you don’t.

I disagree. I think it is the people who piggyback on serious issues to further their "social reputation" that are making it more difficult for people to advocate for men's issues that they care about.

My attitude is a direct result of these people.

I honestly don't expect you to understand.

silverharp · 08-11-2019 11:17am

I dug this out of my email archive from last year, this was my HR's attempt at promoting International Men's day , basically could be summed up as how can men stop being a problem for women. I somehow doubt the International Women's day mail will have anything about women being toxic to their kids or husbands

•
• ‘Being a man is quite scary’: readers tell us what is hard about being male in 2018
•
• International Men’s Day: Do we need a men’s movement and other questions
Irish International Men’s Day events

White Ribbon Ireland gender-equality seminar
Dr Steeven’s Hospital, Dublin; 10am-1pm; free; tickets here
The Men’s Development Network and its White Ribbon campaign address gender equality in society, health, law, advocacy and men’s conversation. This seminar, hosted by the Health Service Executive, has a great line-up of contributors. The barrister (and Irish Times columnist) Noel Whelan speaks about positive changes in Irish gender-equality law, including the new domestic-violence law; the director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Orla O’Connor, will speak on women and men working together towards gender equality; Fergal Fox of the HSE discusses the national men’s health action plan, as well as plans to to support a women’s health plan; and Minister for Health Simon Harris talks about gender equality and a healthy society.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2019 11:17am

Deleted User wrote: »

I disagree. I think it is the people who piggyback on serious issues to further their "social reputation" that are making it more difficult for people to advocate for men's issues that they care about.

My attitude is a direct result of these people.

I honestly don't expect you to understand.

How can you tell the difference between the people who actually care and the people who are just piggybacking?

MrAbyss · 08-11-2019 11:20am

If I had ginger pubes and was in a relationship with a Borderline female I probably think this is a great idea.

08-11-2019 11:25am

El_Duderino 09 wrote: »

How can you tell the difference between the people who actually care and the people who are just piggybacking?

In some instances it is easy, in some it is hard.

Which is why I said I would wager that the vast majority people who genuinely care about and actually do something to help men's issues don't publicise their efforts for fear of being lumped in with the "Oh look how much I care" brigade.

El_Duderino 09 · 08-11-2019 11:32am

Deleted User wrote: »

In some instances it is easy, in some it is hard.

Which is why I said I would wager that the vast majority people who genuinely care about and actually do something to help men's issues don't publicise their efforts for fear of being lumped in with the "Oh look how much I care" brigade.

Ok so I asked HOW you tell the difference and you said it can be easy or hard...

And how successful would you expect it to be if it doesn't get publicised?

So what I'm asking is, so what if someone is getting publicity for themselves out of publicising a worthy cause? If it gets the word out there, so what? So why bother looking at the message you want to get out through the lens of seeing whether you judge them to genuinely care or are going to get publicity out of it? Why talk down a message you want to be publicised because you judge the person to be the wrong kind of person because of, as yet, unarticulated reasons?

International Men's Day 19th November

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