I grew up in Arkansas and from the time I was seven years old I was going to be a chemist. My great grandmother died of colon cancer and I asked my mother what kind of scientist researches cancer. Upon entering college this was my goal as I began to work under a NASA Espcor grant researching hybrid rocket fuel additives, but there was a paradigm shift when I begin to notice the amount of violence men directed toward women. As a Resident Assistant in the dorm and became familiar with reports and statistics of violence, I was filled with anger, followed by an urge to know why. I searched for a common theme. My quest for understanding gradually shifted my interests from physical to social science. I saw how destructive masculinity was for both men and women. Men are caught in an imaginary of masculinity that leads to violence toward women and each other. Masculinity is rarely seen as the foundation and is often overlooked as the culprit for many of the emotional and mental scars that can prevent men’s true happiness and leaves them filled with sadness and anger to fill their vulnerabilities. This can be hard to see through men’s fragile yet often aggressive and self-loathing disguises.
Eventually, I received my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. While receiving my Ph.D. in sociology from the University of North Texas, I continued my studies of race and gender. My dissertation explored the intersection of race, masculinity, and gender ideology. I have taught courses at the University of North Texas, University of Baltimore, Towson University, Community College of Baltimore County and Baltimore City Community College.
I have published work in journals, anthologies, newspapers, and in an encyclopedia. My current research is on Hurricane Katrina, masculinity and gender ideology. I believe in the equality for women and men and believe the only way to achieve it is to change our ideas of gender, particularly by challenging masculinity.
Eventually, I received my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. While receiving my Ph.D. in sociology from the University of North Texas, I continued my studies of race and gender. My dissertation explored the intersection of race, masculinity, and gender ideology. I have taught courses at the University of North Texas, University of Baltimore, Towson University, Community College of Baltimore County and Baltimore City Community College.
I have published work in journals, anthologies, newspapers, and in an encyclopedia. My current research is on Hurricane Katrina, masculinity and gender ideology. I believe in the equality for women and men and believe the only way to achieve it is to change our ideas of gender, particularly by challenging masculinity.