"Big men drive big trucks that roll coal," displays the website Urban Diction when describing its entry for Petro Masculinity. So what is this? Is this just tough guys acting tougher than the rest of us?
One website described it as feeling the need to own and drive an excessively large truck as part of your identity but never having loads that require an engine of that size. Okay. I get that. Of course, in North America, the truck has practically become the family car. The latest trends in comfort amenities and cabin improvements all are a testament to the fact that trucks are no longer the sole domain of the builder. But, trucks are going electric. Will the petro-masculine folks come along for the ride? Do we even want them to too?
Let's talk about what Petro Masculinity is and why it is important to address when it comes to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Petro Masculinity is the idea that men have to be tough and rugged, and they must show their strength with a gas-guzzling vehicle. It's an unconscious form of masculine dominance, which has become ingrained in our societies throughout history.
Petro-masculinity is a term used to describe the masculine ideal that emphasizes power, aggression, and control - and it has a clear association with fossil fuels. It's often seen in men who work in male-dominated industries like oil and gas. And while there are many good men who work in these industries, the pressure to conform to this ideal can be damaging. Especially, as it may hinder the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, which is what we champion here at Mobile Gnosis.
The good news is that we can work together to deconstruct Petro Masculinity. It starts with understanding that electric vehicles are just as tough and rugged as their gas-guzzling counterparts. We can do this by promoting the idea of electric vehicles as an option for all types of drivers, not just those who subscribe to Petro Masculinity. By doing this, we can help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
From a more practical standpoint, how can you deal with petro-masculinity head-on? Here are four ideas to get you started:
- Express it: Start the conversation about petro-masculinity and its effects! This will help spread knowledge and comprehension of this matter.
- Break the mold: Let's put an end to society's preconceived notions about men in male-dominated industries – that strength, lack of emotion and inappropriate sexual behavior are expected attributes. Instead, let's embrace diversity and challenge these outdated stereotypes.
- Let's Team Up: Men must come together to oppose the misguided idea of petro-masculinity. So, let's take a stand and speak out against any form of workplace harassment or inequality however small they may be; united we shall make a difference! Electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and sustainable practices are the solutions to our environmental crisis – let’s embrace them wholeheartedly!
- Practice eco-friendly behaviors: Reducing your carbon footprint is a vital part of helping our planet. Making conscious decisions such as walking or biking instead of driving, reducing your consumption of animal products, buying local produce and items that were sustainably sourced, recycling, etc., can all help in the fight against petro-masculinity, by demonstrating that it is cool to be sustainable.
The goal here is to make electric cars available to everyone, regardless of gender. By challenging Petro Masculinity on both an ideological and practical level, we can create a world where electric cars are accessible to all. Let's come together and break down these outdated notions about the power of fossil fuels. Together, we can make a real difference in our fight against climate change!
What other ideas would you add to the conversation? Share your insights and suggestions in the comments section! Better yet, join our community and help us transform the mobility industry starting right now.