Response to AoM's "100 Skills Every Man Should Know"
The "100 Skills Every Man Should Know" post by website The Art of Manliness enumerates life skills helpful for one to conduct them-self in public, live sustainably, and foster appropriate social, physical, and emotional growth. This list is targeted towards the idea of "the modern man."
Out of the many skills I have used or have heard of before, I selected "how to tie a neck tie" as a skill I am apt at. Below you can find a video of me making a tie. When I was younger, around 11 years old, learning how to make a tie gave me feelings of pride and maturity along with a sense of recognition from my father. Demonstrating the skill of tying a tie makes me feel more professional and included in the work environment. I can readily imagine myself talking in front of an executive board, fellow students, and even on stage when I wear a tie. This feeling is not limited to just men, however. The notion that tie-making or the feelings/emotions associated with it are non-inclusive is silly.
So why does knowledge of tying a tie fall under a post clearly labeled as "100 Skills Every Man Should Know?" I can imagine that the AoM team finds that men are more likely to hold positions in offices that require professional attire to, including ties. Conversely, the same skill would be found on a "100 Skills Every Woman Should Know" post since women can hold the same positions in offices where ties are expected or required. Evidently, knowledge of how to tie a tie should be included on a "100 Skills Every Human Should Know" since humans, as far as we are aware, are the only creatures alive that necessitate tie-wearing at formal, professional, and business-related events.
Would there be any skill that wouldn't be found on the (wo)man or human skills list? Truthfully, most likely the skills that should not be published on an article intended for an audience inclusive of the "every" would be skills associated with the creation and dissemination of k*lling techniques, tort*ure methods, and most any content censored from a banned books list (ie Operation Dark Heart by Lt. Colonel Anthony Shaffer).
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fgj3kfjpfgYppMxT7
Marcel
ReplyDeleteI like your insight into the AoM team and your thought that they believe men are more likely to hold positions that require professional attire. When I saw the skill of "how to tie a necktie", it was in my understanding that this could be for women as well. I find it impressive that you inferred and dug deeper into why they put this on the list. I don't doubt that it is ingrained into the AoM team's biases that they believe men are more likely to hold these certain positions. Because after all, how many women actually work for AoM?
Hi Brody,
DeleteGreat question. I search for a list of their staff, and it turns out their staff consists of only three people! Out of these three, one is a woman while the other two are men. Brett and Kate McKay are married and make up two of the three staff members as the (co-owners?) of AoM. The third member is a "jack of all trades" partner. Here's the link to the post with this information: https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/art-of-manliness-10-years/
You wrote: "Conversely, the same skill would be found on a "100 Skills Every Woman Should Know" post since women can hold the same positions in offices where ties are expected or required." I'm trying to think if I have ever seen a woman in professional attire in my actual life wearing a classic necktie...and I'm having a hard time coming up with any instances. Is this much more common than I think? Maybe I live under a fashion rock. I can remember seeing women with silk neck scarves, and I have personally worn a (sweet) bolo tie. A quick google check does reveal this pretty great Pinterest collection titled "Women in Neckties!": https://www.pinterest.at/thetiechest/women-in-neckties/
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, would you put "Walk all day in high heels" as a skill on the hypothetical "100 Skills Every Human Should Know" list?
Hi Dr. Nora,
ReplyDeleteHonestly, you're right. I've seldom seen a woman in professional attire wearing a 'classic necktie' as often as I made it seem in my response. More often, I've seen broaches, silk scarfs, and necklaces instead. That's a good question. Both high heels and neckties require patience and repeated use to 'wear and present' confidently. I suppose I would even though high heels are an option of "raised heeled" shoes, whereas neckties are more of a category. Both take practice to wear properly.
PS: Bolo ties look awesome!