When looking at the whole of human history, the idea of gender equality are fairly new. In fact women did not start getting rights until the 19th century and could not even vote in this country until 1920. Women's rights have improved since then, however sexism and misogyny is still a large part of our society. Boys, as they become men, hear phases such as "throw like a girl." They see women in media over sexualized and portrayed as helpless without men. They are taught by men around them that women are only good for sex. They are essentially taught to be sexist from the earliest moments of their lives. So when they hear the term feminism they see it as a threat to their manhood and men hating. I, as a male feminist, say let that manhood go. If you need to build yourself up by tearing women down then that says more about you then women. Feminism is not men hating, it simply means that men and women are equal.
Feminism, from a male perspective, is something that must be man conscious to the man. Too many men are blind to the plight of women because they do not have to suffer sexism in the same way that women do. We do not have to fear being attacked when they walk down the street. We are not call weak because of their gender. Our bodies are not judged to the extend the women's bodies are. Thus for a man to learn about feminism he must first know the suffrage of women.
To be a man and to be a feminist is not hard. It is not hard to respect women and treat them as equals. It does not make you weak or make you "political correct." All that it means is that you are giving women the same respect the you would give a man. It is sad that such a simple and fair concept can't understood. Men, when speaking about feminism, too often talk as if it is a declaration of war about them. Men have been in the position of power for so long the idea of women equal threats them. The whole "war on men" is just a way to discredit women.
Men, change will not come unless you help. Stop thinking of women as maid or house wives. Think of them as a just human being, trying to figure out life like you are.
