Dear Men,
You are cordially invited to partake in the feminist movement. Although many of you will immediately stop reading, that is if you even made it to this point, I implore you to consider accepting this invitation.
Where: Anywhere and everywhere
When: ASAP
Why: There are many reasons as to why you should join the Feminist Movement. Ultimately, feminism needs men just as much as men need feminism.
An initial aversion to accepting such an invitation is likely the result of misconceptions as to what feminism actually is. Thus, I will first attempt, an ill and naïve attempt at best, to debunk some common myths on feminism. After I will explain why feminism needs you and furthermore why feminism is the thing you’ve been waiting for your whole life.
Feminism Debunked:
1. Feminists are not crazy bra-burning fanatics.
When many hear me talk about female empowerment, a common dismissal is a quick label as a “crazy bra burning feminist.” Contrary to popular belief, feminists don’t have secret parties in which we raid the nearest Victoria’s Secret and then proceed to set our acquisitions a-flame. Aside from believing all women are entitled to rights and equal treatment, feminists lead very normal lives.
2. Feminists don’t think women are superior to men.
Although feminism seeks to empower and fight on behalf of women’s rights, these activities are only an attempt to level a gendered playing field. Feminists believe in the equality of the sexes, and definitely do not seek to oppress men. As a matter of fact, there is a strong correlation to a distaste for all kinds of oppression and feminism – go figure! Even the dictionary definition of feminism is, “the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.” This equality will also benefit you. (see below)
3. Feminism = Man hating.
Feminism DOES NOT equal man hating. I repeat: Feminism DOES NOT equal man hating.
4. Feminists belong to every race, ethnic background, religion, social class, country, sexuality, and orientation.
Feminism is all about equality and egalitarianism. As a result, it’s incredibly inclusive and everyone can contribute their perspective to the collective view. Additionally, feminism is not exclusive to Westernized countries. Feminism is necessary now more than ever globally (i.e. it is not a “first world problem”).
5. You don’t need to agree with every single feminist view to be a feminist.
Many people have a negative visceral reaction to feminism because of a disagreement to some components of typical feminist ideology. If you believe women and men are equal and as long as your opinion is not one that seeks to oppress, join the feminist club. Diversity is after all the spice of life and how we best learn.
6. We aren’t angry at you.
Often times, we rant or argue or protest. Don’t take this personally: we are not attacking you. We are not angry at you directly, so don’t take to opposite extremes as a defense. We are instead angry at a system that has oppressed women across cultures for essentially all of human history.
7. Feminists are NOT all women.
This is by far the most important point. You do not need to be a woman to be a feminist…
…guys, feminism needs you and you need feminism.
Although we ladies are strong and empowered, your male support would make a huge difference. Feminism is not a summation of answers to a unilateral problem. Problems of gender and everything attached thereto are so complex and so diverse that I cannot even begin to explain it, never mind fully understand it myself. But I know we need you because 50% of the population is not enough to make the difference we need. You also need feminism more than you likely realize. As stated above, feminism isn’t about female superiority, it’s about equality of the sexes. So, say goodbye to always having to protect the fragile mirage that is masculinity. Having emotions and explicitly sharing them with the world around you is no longer a taboo. Say hello to paternity leave and a closer relationship with your children. Also, feel free to pursue your interests without fear of being judged by a gendered system. Additionally, eliminating body shaming for women also will lead to the same for men, because although you don’t admit it, we know you have insecurities too (and that’s ok by the way). Lastly, and perhaps the greatest benefit of all, by accepting this invitation, you will make the lives of those around you, those abroad, and those after you significantly better.
If we come together to collectively acknowledge that you and I are not so different, that you don’t have to play with trains while I dolls, that equal treatment is a two-way street, that our opinions can diverge while still allowing for amicable and effective discussion, that we are stronger standing together, that love, acceptance and tolerance are our strongest weapons – the world we are living in would look oh so very different and oh so very bright.
