To: 14 men and 10 women
Subject: um... subject eh? Well, how about, He
Date: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 11:49 PM
From: Eric Porcher

Hey,

I was sick in bed with a cold last night, listening to music. I heard a
Trilok Gurtu cut from The Beat of Love, called Tuhe. I really enjoyed it,
but my first impression was, "That's Masculine." I've never reacted to a
song that way, that I recall. But it got the old CD-project wheels turning
in my head again. Why not assemble something that is for and about
masculinity?

What is Masculinity?

So I have one song. So, then what? A whole CD of masculine music? What is
Masculine?

If nothing else, I expect it will leave an appetite for what is feminine.

So what music would this be?

What is Masculine?

It might be the music I often leave out when finding something to play for a
woman or women in the room. Why do I do that? Maybe because it's more
raunchy. It may be powerful, maybe with a lesser element of beauty. What is
masculinity?


Maybe it's that thing I pursue when there isn't a woman nearby? What is
that?

Maybe it has lyrics about male issues.

Would it be performed by someone I think of as masculine? Maybe. But,
maybe something done by a woman? I went and listened to a lot of Tori Amos
songs this afternoon, but, not quite. Got kicked in the balls once or twice
(like with Ani DiFranco) but didn't come away with anything I'd call
Masculine. Too much beautiful femininity here and there - you just can't
hide it in those voices.

Now do not think I am or am pretending to be expert in masculinity (or
femininity). On the contrary, this is revealing to me my gross lack of
understanding here. But somehow there's an appeal to explore this.

And that's where you come in, if you wish. :)

I'm wading around here in some ignorance, but am thinking that this - and
we - could do well with some communal input and sharing. What do you think?

What the hell is masculinity? Is that a bad thing? Martha? Do I care what
you think?

Or, as someone on Seinfeld might say, "Not that there's anything wrong with
that!?"

Is masculinity ok? I think so! Is it enough? I don't think so! But to
explore it a bit, I think is a good thing.


There are moments when I approach something I think is masculine, and feel
some embarrassment. Okay.


And how to arrange it so that one isn't sick of it after three songs?


Can there be masculinity, without the feminine? Without that reference, what
is masculinity?

What do we think about when our sex is not contemplating the road between us
and the opposite sex? Are you embarrassed? I am sometimes. But... not
always.



Most of a day later, I think I've found three songs. So far none by a
woman. Sitting here, sipping sherry, writing, and hunting for more songs,
just about looped-enough to send this.


So, if there's some appeal here for you, and maybe you come across something
relevant, let me know ok? OK? Maybe we'll put it on the CD and I'll
give you a copy of it - whatever it turns out to be. Well, ok, even if you
don't give me a song I'll give you a copy, if you ask for it. But, I'd love
to hear from you - whatever your thoughts are, a song - whatever! What is
Masculinity?

Then we'll make a CD about... that, finer sex. Women are great, aren't
they? Luc and I were talking about how, "they're the best!" They're a
pain in the ass sometimes, but, we'd be lost without 'em. That CD will be
easy!    

Dec. 14/02 note:  After reading this again, I'm surprised to find that
the only sentence I really regret saying is the last one above.  I'm surprised that I wasn't
challenged by anyone on that one.  At the time I was (and still am) feeling rather 
complimentary toward the feminine, and felt that I could easily address or reflect that.
But upon reflection, how could that be any less challenging than this project?  Especially 
for a dense token male like me.

But for now, male, masculine, he - what is that? Can we make a CD for and
addressing that? I'd love it if you'd join me with that.

Eric



Bruce (if you get this) are you able to forward this to Alexis?

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