Glenda Simms, Contributor
THE RECENTLY convened 'Men on a Mission' conference signalled 'a ray of hope' for feminists, womanists and all citizens who have been insisting that men must be partners in the project to dismantle the patriarchal structures that have resulted in the definition of 'the masculine' and 'the feminine' as opposing points of oppression and conflict.
The subsequent media coverage of this important meeting described the 'mission' as successful. At the same time, staff reporters Damion Mitchell and Claude Mills drew attention to a number of interesting, debatable points in their articles published in the May 30, 2004 edition of The Sunday Gleaner.
The most glaring and obvious problematic issues that faced the 'men of God' who lead this 'mission' are those related to sexual orientation, the definition of women in the modern church congregations, the role of adult males in the identity formation of the boy child and the need for men to have all-male 'grounding' spaces without the presence or thoughts of women. On the issue of male homosexuality the ex-Jesuit Martin Schade's attempt to present a point of view on homosexual development, informed by social science, was strongly annoying both to the other theologians and to the broad based male representation in the conference.
According to Claude Mills, the Reverend Aaron Dumas was extremely agitated by the thought that the good Lord could have had a hand in creating anyone with a homosexual orientation. The reverend gentleman reportedly 'hissed his teeth' loudly and became part of a rumble that asserted that homosexuality is either 'sin or sickness' at best, or a 'demonic possession' at worst. Such passionate 'God driven' sentiments inspired members of the audience to give 'gun salutes' and to enter into a 'fire burning' war zone. This 'holy space' was encapsulated in the words of Apostle Peterson who, according to Mills, declared, "This is war there is a strong demonic force intent on displacing males in the society, we must rise up and affirm ourselves as men."
Of course, similar sentiments are expressed in more secular tones in the dancehalls, the rum bars and in the well appointed living rooms in all sectors of the Jamaican society. In this sense, the religious fervour stirred by Schade's interventions is normative in the nation.
FEMINISATION OF CHRISTIANITY
Another interesting commentary that was highlighted in the Claude Mills report was the thesis on the so-called 'feminisation of Christianity'. Dr. Las Neuman, a church historian, is reported to have remarked, "I find it ironic, that in a culture of feminised Christianity, men still run things, patriarchy still rules we are still at the head of the church. Women still expect us to lead."
It is good to hear such truths directly 'from the horse's mouth'.
Yes, it is women and children who ensure that the doors of churches remain open. Every Sunday they over-dress or dress to kill in the most elaborate hats with matching shoes and hand bags. They sing loudly and melodiously and diligently pray for self, family, Members of Parliament, other leaders and the Queen and her offsprings. They also give generously to the church coffers.
But, as Dr. Newman asserts, "Dem nuh run tings."
Swedish theologian Goran Bergstrand in an article entitled A Theological Approach to Masculinity and Equality, anchors Dr. Neuman's sentiments in the culture of the Christian church by pointing out that "when it comes to the relationship between men and women it is clear that the church has helped to prop up a patriarchal society which has given men a higher value than women throughout its history."
He further asserts that the hierarchy of the church is still, by and large, male. In some denominations women have been able to go as far as saints, but on the whole they are no threat to the "worldly ecclesiastical machinery of powers."
In a real sense Bergstrand argues that in creating social structures within the church "we have had the same tendencies as the rest of society: of ensuring that women remain subordinate."
Feminist and womanist theologians have written extensively on these ongoing themes, but it is important for us to listen keenly to the male voices that articulate their understanding of how patriarchal values work to empower men in all institutions.
MEN SPACES
While much of what has been reported can be understood within established common sense debates, the most interesting incident in the reports about the 'Men on a Mission' conference is the one that describes the response to the woman who had the temerity to ask a question.
Claude Mills reports that "Emmette Gayle, a female guidance counsellor of Dunoon Technical High School" was prevented from asking a question because the seminar was intended to be a 'male only' one.Ms. Gayle asserted that she was not aggrieved by 'her silencing'. In fact, she felt she was invited by mistake.
She is probably right. Her name is among those 'androgynous types'. Emmette could have been equated with Emmett as in 'Emmett Till'.
All committed feminists would agree with the men who prevented Ms. Gayle from speaking. Indeed, one of the strongest sentiments during the heydays of the Women's Liberation Movement was related to the strong stance that 'women-spaces are critical to women's autonomy."In other words, feminists have strongly argued for the establishment and maintenance of 'women-only spaces' in which women's views can be aired without apologies to men.
Events such as 'Men on a Mission' create a special space for men to come to grips with their individual and collective patriarchal legacies. It is therefore heartening to learn that two young male teachers left such a space with the commitment to return to their schools and have "all-male bull sessions to discuss 'male-centric' problems and issues".
Every woman mother, sister, daughter, auntie, girlfriend and all others should welcome any effort that will deal with gender-based violence, parental responsibilities, positive male-female relationships, respect, productivity and other important development planks of the Jamaican society.
Dr. Glenda P. Simms is the executive director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs
