Today we will consider what kinds of cool things you may be missing out on because of all the lovely virtue signaling social justice warriors out there.
Let’s start with a reflection on the event that first told me things were getting weird. I went in to teach a class at a time of day that is more likely to attract, shall we say, less committed and more superficial yoga students. I’ve been known to refer to them as Grouponers, thus turning an object (groupon) into a noun. I find that sort of thing amusing, but I am rather easily amused.
It was a nice size class, perhaps mid 20’s, but there were only two men in the class. I was plugged into my usual stream-of-consciousness discourses, and, without giving it any thought, made a simple observation, “Thank goodness for girls when it comes to yoga.” I thought I was recognizing and giving props to the female gender for their wisdom in embracing what I consider to be a great gift to humanity.
One of the “women” in class found that offensive and said to me, “We aren’t girls, we’re women!” We were close to each other, and without saying it loudly or calling her out, I said: “Maybe this class isn’t for you.” I, of course, got a complaint.
I was shocked that of all the things someone could have the luxury in life to call a problem, complaining that someone referred to you as a girl rather than a woman was one of them. I, personally, have no problem being referred to as a “boy” or a “guy” or a “dude” and actually, prefer those labels to others I’ve had the misfortune of experiencing.
At any rate, I will make an exerted effort to refer to the gender that is not a male, as female rather than a girl, lady, woman or anything like that. Is female ok? I mean it’s a scientific term, right?
Why does any of this matter to what you are missing out on? Well, aside from the fact that she will never experience the many great lessons I impart after 40 years of practice, and 20 years of teaching, my present students will miss some great entertainment as a result of my forced censorship.
Like for instance the great stories I have from the movies I’ve worked on or the one I’m working on now that involves a well-known and controversial director. Don’t want to relate any cool things about the actors or directors that may come across in any way sexist, elitist or offensive.
Next would be physical adjustments. I have never been a great one for giving any type of suggestive adjustments, for the very reason that I never wanted to be that “creepy man yoga teacher.” That said, I give very good and not creepy adjustments, but not much anymore. I cannot risk accidentally brushing someone in a way that they take as a #metoo moment, and next thing I know I’m being written up at the studio, and shamed on “Yelp” or Facebook.
Of course, the irony of this is that a female yoga teacher can lay all over someone and even use her pelvis to give an adjustment, and that’s all ok.
It has also crossed my mind how many men may be less willing to mentor or hire as an assistant a female, thinking why bother taking the risk. And probably the more high-profile and in a place of power and thus with the most to offer and lose, the less likely to want to take that risk.
Now, before all the emotionally charged and indignant SJWs start venting their recreational outrage at me over the horrific things men have subjected women too, this has absolutely nothing to do with any of that, nor does it condone, justify, or rationalize anything.
This is just an explanation of the thought process that has taken me, as a male yoga teacher to the place I am today, how I got here, and what my students have lost as a result of it.
Next post will tell more stories and deal with the “double standard.”