Men Quote by Manuel Puig
““—And what's so bad about being soft like a woman? Why is it men or whoever, some poor bastard, some queen, can't be sensitive, too, if he's got a mind to? —I don't know, but sometimes that kind of behavior can get in a man's way. —When? When it comes to torturing?” —No, when it comes to being finished with the torturers.” —But if men acted like women there wouldn't be anymore torturers.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Kiss Me Before the Daybreak, 1971
The quote challenges gender stereotypes, suggesting that softness and sensitivity are not exclusive to women and that embracing them could reduce cruelty.
In simple terms: Softness isn’t gendered; it can reduce cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Embrace sensitivity regardless of gender.
Themes
gender roles
masculinity
violence
empathy
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- relationships
- workplace culture
- parenting
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
feminist theory
psychology
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society define “softness” for men?
- Can vulnerability coexist with strength?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that power dynamics, not gender, drive cruelty.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)