I used to feel bad for being a guy—and a white one at that—like somehow belonging to that particular demographic made me personally responsible for the inequality in our world. Of course, this is a silly idea, but I must admit that every time I heard about wage inequality or overheard a woman being catcalled, I resented my genitals a little bit. But this does not mean we shouldn’t engage in the conversation.
Let's talk about feminism. Let's debunk the misconception that feminism is only applicable to women. Now fellas, I know it sounds like “feminine,” but don’t get too insecure about your masculinity just yet. Let's define that big scary word the way Emma Watson did in her recent UN speech: “The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.” That’s not so bad is it? Feminism is simply the belief in gender equality.
The feminine connotations of the word make men think women. Many men hear about feminism and cringe, thinking all these women are man-haters out to get us and take over the world. –If you’re really too insecure to say you support feminism, try pro-equality. Guys, if you don’t think women deserve the opportunities you do, you are not pro-equality, and that’s jacked up. Ladies, if you believe that women should dominate and that all men are worthless garbage, you are not a feminist. That’s the problem; when we start seeing groups, and stop seeing people, we enter extremely dangerous territory, plagued with discrimination, misconception, and bitter hearts.
In reality, the more applicable reason that women’s discrimination is so amplified today is this: Women are oppressed. It really is that simple. Historically, the subtle, institutionalized inferiority of women instilled in our society has been drastically underexposed and disturbingly neglected. There isn’t room enough on this page to talk about all the disturbing ways in which women are discriminated against globally, but even in the U.S., women are getting the short end of the stick. It may not seem like it at first glance—its not like the United States enslaves women on plantations or don’t have voting rights—but lets look at some facts:
- It took 144 years for American women to gain voting rights
- Women typically make $0.72 to every $1.00 a man makes
- Tampons aren’t free
- Maternal healthcare isn’t free
- Currently, of the 535 members of the US congress, 432 are men—This is a record high of women serving.
- Rape culture is a thing
When I walk home at night I don’t carry pepper spray. I never have to think, “Better be careful, I don’t want to get raped.” Men don’t tend to have this issue, but they do tend to be the perverted perpetrators.
But not all men are like that. I’m not raping anybody. It’s not my problem, right? Wrong. If you’re a decent human, applause for you, have a cookie. I know it’s not your fault that these problems exist. But does this mean we ought to stand idly by and ignore it? Well, if I didn’t give a rip about equality, then I suppose I could mark “Not Applicable” and go about my life in good conscience. But that seems like a pretty selfish way to live; and my God is all about helping people. Voltaire tells us, “Every man is also guilty of the good he did not do.” Though I shun Voltaire for not using gender-neutral pronouns, his words are applicable to us today, and I believe equality is a very good thing. And hey, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to fear for my sisters and friends, risking their lives walking home at night because they just happen to have lady parts. That makes it my problem. Fellas, that makes it our problem, too.
Let me make clear that I in no way claim to have the slightest substantial understanding of what it's like to be a woman. Therefore, I find that it is not my place to pretend like I do, or speak on their behalf. If I were to guess, Girls just want to have fun. Fun-da-mental human rights, that is. Though no man can accurately speak for a woman, we do have a role in solving this issue, and I doubt that any female women’s rights advocate, wants sympathy. Rather, we ought to stand alongside our brothers and sisters as people, and support the movement in whatever capacity necessary. Personally, I recommend joining the HerForShe campaign.
I say this, not to guilt-trip anyone for being a dude, but to acknowledge and express what I believe is right. Equality is right. If this means I revoke my premium membership to the blonde-haired-blue eyed-white-catholic-dude club, then so be it, but gender inequality cannot be ignored any longer. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing that there is one.
