Given the current situation in United States politics and the way that has wormed its way into the way we live, think, act, and interact, I've begun to notice some uncomfortable trends in how some people, namely men, are starting to treat their peers. By that, I mean that I've noticed, now more than ever, an increase is outward expressions of masculine entitlement whether it be in a private or public venue. Now, don't mistake me, I am painfully aware that men thinking they deserve more than they actually do is not something new (I am one, after all), but that doesn't change how wildly inappropriate and disappointing it is to witness.
It's no secret that the last couple of months have revealed the darker parts of United States citizens, their ideals, and desires. But to hear news stories is far different than witnessing, even in small amounts, the lack of inhibitions and filters that people are now embracing. I first noticed this, unfortunately (and ironically), in an Anthropology class I'm taking this semester in which we frequently discuss things like imperialism, stereotypes, and ethnocentrism which are all extremely relevant topics in the country right now. Of course, there's one person (or one couple, more accurately, but the man of the two is the main offender) only ever speaks up if it's to make a joke about/at the expense of the people and topics we're discussing. Even though he gets almost zero reaction, he continues to make these inappropriate comments for reasons that I can only associate with the fact that he feels he can say whatever he wants because he's likely never been stopped or corrected before which is incredibly frustrating.
Yesterday, I was standing in line waiting for dinner in my dining hall like I do nearly every night. Suddenly, a man a few people ahead of me in line began to sing a hymn in probably the loudest voice I've ever heard someone use in public. Which, while I'm totally okay with people openly practicing their religion, it became abundantly clear very quickly that he wasn't doing it out of the love in their hearts. First of all, he was doing so in an extremely tight space that was inappropriate for such a display. Secondly, he immediately followed the display with an Islamophobic joke that, had they heard it, some of the workers, who are of Middle Eastern origin, in the area would have certainly been hurt or offended.
The quietest, yet potentially the most glaring example of this is the way that men on the internet act toward total strangers or public figures. For example, Ed Boon, a well-known game developer is harassed on nearly every single tweet he makes by mostly men (I've checked, out fo my own curiosity) about different release dates, free stuff, etc. And it's not just standard internet teasing. Instead, I've read refusals to buy is products over not receiving free things. I've read threats and overall spite against people who actively try to defend him (including myself once). And almost all of them are men demanding things they feel they're owed that they were never promised or guaranteed. It's actually frightening to read.
More than anything, I just wanted to draw attention to this growing, disturbing trend. American men are seemingly becoming more volatile and demanding in recent months. If you see someone expressing their entitlement in some form, don't let them et away with it if you can help it. These displays make all spaces uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for everyone involved.
