Customer Reviews

Masculinity: The Hoax Enslaving Men

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Wow! Being a man, this book kicked my butt! And yet I came away feeling I needed it. This was truly a different view of the gender controversy. Until reading this, I'd never truly seen women's side of things. It was always them against us men. At the same time, I'd never examined those many behavior patterns me and my fellow men accept as normal even though they make us uncomfortable. I'm shaken. Yet at the same time, I came away optimistic. This guy made me feel as if there is a constructive way to address a lot of those issues that trouble me. He identified other issues that I didn't even realize were troubling me. And he painted a picture of what men should be that I could accept. He is not trying to make us wimps. He sees masculinity as strength under control, something most of us men have never been able to exercise. Most men are not going to be able to make the full transformation that Dynda advocates because it would take a lot of inner work. We may not agree with some of his points. But his book is eye-opening, stimulating, and points the way to personal growth which would improve our relationships with women and bring an increased sense of peace to our lives. A reader couldn't ask for much more.

I was thoroughly impressed with this thoughtful book which takes a hard look at patriarchy, while posing questions about our society's future. The male author's painstakingly researched historical exploration of male rule takes the reader on a stimulating journey from primitive to modern human interactions. Major themes of male domination are investigated, including war, sex, sports, violence, relationships, etc. These are examined first in detail, then explained broadly by Dynda, who illuminates flaws and greater truths.

Of interest to both feminists and men's movement types will be the sections discussing inflammatory feminist charges against men, and heated countercharges from men against women. Dynda reveals the muddy thinking of pop cult heroes Robert Bly, John Gray, Sam Keen. In his chapter on sex and relationships, rather than the "wild man" persona, Dynda advocates an approach to relationships which is both genuine to each individual and realistic for today's society.

All readers of this book will be in some way changed, challenged and enlightened, as I was. What sets it apart from other books on similar topics is Russ Dynda's crystal clear thought process, coupled with his masterful writing style. Complex ideas are focused through the lens of Dynda's incisive yet compassionate mind, and explored in a straightforward yet mind-altering way. A revelation!

It's about time someone put in print, what I have been confused and concerned about for a long time. And it is all well-substantiated, well-researched, and well-written by Russell Dynda. I have always been told I'm too far out there with the way I feel about the male/female scenario. I feel so relieved to find that there are others that feel the same. It's our future, we need to start somewhere, and Russ Dynda is an excellent field guide with which to start. I couldn't put the book down! My thanks to him from so many people.

I was very pleased to see the book acknowledge some very critical issues present in our society today that most have either failed to acknowledge or are unwilling to address. Initially, one of the things I especially appreciated about the book is the fact that the author did not divert the reader's attention from the specific issues of partiarchal dominance and the abuse that such dominance engenders, by shifting the focus to a broader and more generalized expression of platitudes to appease the very sensitive among his reading audience. The things that have been said in the book needed to be said and need to be digested so that all of us (both male and female) can move forward in a more positive and growth-oriented fashion. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on children and agree with the idea that, once the decision has been made to have a child, sacrifices on the part of the adults will have to be made. it was also very interesting to see in writing, a compilation of "why" we choose to have children. Finally, it was also refreshing to have the writer challenge us to strive for the "ideal" instead of settling for an approach to living that would make the weakest, most vulnerable human beings in our society (i.e., our children) our last priority.

I heard Mr. Dynda on Coast To Coast last week, and as I listened, I gleaned an amazing understanding of just how the cultural conditioning we men have gone through is, at best, garbage. Why should we have to be so wannabee macho,etc., all the time. Who are we men trying to kid ? women? I think not. My last relationship went bust because of my trying to be "masculine" all the time. My girlfriend wanted someone who was not only that, but someone who was sensitive to her needs as well. This book, though I haven't received it yet, knocks down the walls of the prison we men have been living in...in our minds. Thanks Russell !

This comprehensive examination of the gender polarization that exists in the world today provides a valid cause and a viable solution. The thoroughly researched explanation of the effect of male dominated patriarchy in our society validates what we as men have intuitively known, but rationalized to be acceptable. The chapters on children, and sex and relationships were my favorites. They left me feeling that I have always known the truth, but had not done the mental homework to get it straight in my head. Dynda's four essential ingredients for lasting relationships were an especially important finding for me. In summary, this an excellent book that is well worth the reading!