Despite the privileges men hold over women in so many areas, it's truly a miserable thought when you realize that just because a man is also supposed to be a strong, silent warrior, unable to express his emotions. Although it's not as strongly expressed in O'Connor's story, it can be seen in some way if you really dig deep. The story may focus primarily on the grandmother, but not once does Bailey truly speak out and tell his mother what he really thinks or feels. In reality, the only emotion that is “acceptable” for someone who identifies as a man to exhibit is anger. Too often, if we see a man crying, we tell him to stop being a cry baby, or even to stop being such a girl. This in itself shows how the world sees the female population as being used as some sort of insult. In all aspects of life, everyone should be treated equally, especially when it comes to simple biological difference.