The Man[Thing] Concept

Sometimes I get questioned about my various man concepts. Like the manpurse I sell or the manbooth I want to set up at craft fairs.

Basically, the ladies beg to differ. As they do. They want to help me fix my concept. (Ahem.)

OK, here’s why I call some things “man.” It’s for things which are typically lady oriented. Where there are strong social pressures and habits toward ladyness in some area.

It’s activism and outreach. For equality.

It’s like why some bike rides or XC ski outings are called “Women’s Ride” or “Ladies Ski.” There’s nothing gendered about bikes or skis but some ladies feel like they’re being left out or bossed around, so they set up their own event and put their gender on it. Who cares if they’re right, if they get some takers, they’re in.

I see a thousand purses set up to please the ladies. I see specialty and tool bags that a few men use. But I’d like more guys to feel free to carry their fun junk around in bags, so I call what I sell a manpurse. Or manbag. Or just a bag. Sometimes people need special encouragement.

At art and craft fairs I see literally hundreds of booths set up to please the ladies. It’s a bit like shopping at the mall. Only far far far more ladylike. There really aren’t too many booths that give aide and comfort or even products for the menfolk.

Of course, ladies can use manpurses or enjoy manbooths. We have a mission but we’re inclusive, expansive even. (Ahem, unlike many women’s events.)

Also, it’s a popularity contest. Products and booths prosper if enough people like them. So, let the best, uh, one win. You don’t need everyone equally represented everywhere. Not everyone has the same interests or skills. Who cares about bipartisan support. If something is not presently being done it might indicate an untapped need, or a good reason why it’s not done. Mostly ladies like art shows, so let em have em. Some ladies like events set up for them only—if people show up (or they’re subsidized enough), then they’re viable. Men can do whatever gender ID’ed stuff they want, too. It’s not tit for tat (ahem). It’s whatever people like.

As legislatures and courts start allocating money for men’s outreach projects then, even if the public isn’t ready, we can get some help in changing some of these social barriers or habits.