Empowering the use of Social Media for Business & Personal Growth
Roosters In The Henhouse!! (Or, The Anti-Testosterone Syndrome)
I’ve seen posts written recently discussing the “controversy” that has been brought up more than once about allowing men to become members of the Twitterqueens. And, seeing as how I was the original TwitterKing, I figured it was about time for me to weigh in on this subject.
At first glance, this group appears to be specifically designed for women. Even the name implies that being female is a requirement. Further investigation into this reveals the mission statement of the group:
“Women empowering women in the understanding and use of emerging social media techniques.”
Thus, one would naturally reach an assumption that this group is specifically designed to support women. (Painfully obvious, right?) And, this much is true. But, what some narrow-minded individuals looking to use this group as a way to further a personal cause assume is that this group is specific in its type of support in that it will only come from women and only women are allowed in the group.
Now, I’m not the smartest person on the planet. Heck, I’m a guy…(insert intelligence-bashing statement here)…and I never put that connection together. That’s why I didn’t think twice when I hit the “SIGN UP” link on the Twitterqueens site. Perhaps it’s because I have always believed that anyone asking to be treated equally deserves to be treated equally. Perhaps it’s because of the way I was raised. Perhaps I am a renaissance man. Either way, it never once crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be accepted into this group just because I pee standing up.
My point is this: ”supporting women” isn’t just a woman’s cause. Any woman that thinks that I am violating some form of secret pact or unwritten law by establishing my presence within this group obviously has no idea who I am or what I stand for…and, if your problem is the fact that you are unwilling to share this stage with “a man” in this noble common cause, your cause will be lost through your own efforts. Not through those efforts of myself or any other man in this group.
Smart and understanding women know that accepting support from those that offer it willingly in line with a same common goal isn’t a sign of weakness…but one of strength. Empowering women isn’t an exclusionary cause…but one of solidarity. And, that solidarity includes anyone willing to move toward that same common goal. Women can get support from anyone, anywhere, at any time, provided that they are willing to accept that support in lieu of their own pride. (And yes…that is the root of this exact “controversy” with regard to roosters in the henhouse on Twitterqueens) That support can come from anywhere…includes life forms that produce testosterone.
At first glance, this group appears to be specifically designed for women. Even the name implies that being female is a requirement. Further investigation into this reveals the mission statement of the group:
“Women empowering women in the understanding and use of emerging social media techniques.”
Thus, one would naturally reach an assumption that this group is specifically designed to support women. (Painfully obvious, right?) And, this much is true. But, what some narrow-minded individuals looking to use this group as a way to further a personal cause assume is that this group is specific in its type of support in that it will only come from women and only women are allowed in the group.
Now, I’m not the smartest person on the planet. Heck, I’m a guy…(insert intelligence-bashing statement here)…and I never put that connection together. That’s why I didn’t think twice when I hit the “SIGN UP” link on the Twitterqueens site. Perhaps it’s because I have always believed that anyone asking to be treated equally deserves to be treated equally. Perhaps it’s because of the way I was raised. Perhaps I am a renaissance man. Either way, it never once crossed my mind that I wouldn’t be accepted into this group just because I pee standing up.
My point is this: ”supporting women” isn’t just a woman’s cause. Any woman that thinks that I am violating some form of secret pact or unwritten law by establishing my presence within this group obviously has no idea who I am or what I stand for…and, if your problem is the fact that you are unwilling to share this stage with “a man” in this noble common cause, your cause will be lost through your own efforts. Not through those efforts of myself or any other man in this group.
Smart and understanding women know that accepting support from those that offer it willingly in line with a same common goal isn’t a sign of weakness…but one of strength. Empowering women isn’t an exclusionary cause…but one of solidarity. And, that solidarity includes anyone willing to move toward that same common goal. Women can get support from anyone, anywhere, at any time, provided that they are willing to accept that support in lieu of their own pride. (And yes…that is the root of this exact “controversy” with regard to roosters in the henhouse on Twitterqueens) That support can come from anywhere…includes life forms that produce testosterone.
Tags: blogging, clint, empowering, henhouse, media, miller, roosters, social, twitterking, twitterqueens
20 Comments
-
Comment by Clint Miller on May 7, 2009 at 11:48am
-
Kathy -- Thank you for your kind words. But, this post really isnt about me.
Believe me when I say that this post isnt written as an accolade for me. This is written to clarify the existence of the men that are secure enough in their manhood to not only join the group, but prove that we are here for the same reasons that the women are here. We want nothing more than to help.
Unfortunately, extremists fail to see the forest through the trees. And, because is precisely that mentality that is going to hinder this movement from going forward IF we allow it to continue. This is my stand in solidarity with my fellow TwitterQueens in saying that I, for one, refuse to allow that narrow-minded mentality to slow US down any longer.
-
Comment by Morriss Partee on May 7, 2009 at 11:51am - @Clint: Hear, hear. bravo, and well said.
-
- Morriss -- Thank you! I appreciate that very much.
-
Comment by Jeremy on May 7, 2009 at 12:03pm - Wow, I didn't know me joining a group along with a few other gents could cause an uproar.
-
-
Jeremy -- yeah, who'd have known...Maybe I should try to join Curves and see what they have to say...
Im such a rebel. ;-)
-
Comment by Lesley Lambert on May 7, 2009 at 12:15pm - Clint, as ever I adore your point of view and agree with your thoughts. Narrow minded people need not apply!
-
Comment by Jeremy on May 7, 2009 at 12:21pm
- Maybe that is the problem Lesley....maybe we are just too open minded.
-
- Lesley -- Thank you very much! Im happy that you enjoyed the post.
-
- Jeremy -- I think its just a case of those whom are so insecure with themselves having an issue with those that are...
About
© 2009 Created by Diane Guercio on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
Thank you for being you, and if any of those other Roosters are anything like you there can only be real value to this group.
This is my opinion and I'm sticking to it :)