I started to become interested in feminism over the last few months, but with the last horrifying cases of crimes against women i saw that many feminist women have (reasonably) learned to fear us, or at least, have some resentment towards us (again, reasonably), so, do we have a place in this movement, or we should take a step aside
If one has a belief that feminism is a necessary and effective movement, one is obligated to work towards the goal of the movement.
This may or may not be the same thing as participating in specific groups, communities, or actions.
If a given segment of the movement doesn’t want to include men in their activities, respect that and work in other ways.
You’ll likely find that when it comes to taking action, be it via protest, awareness raising, etc, it is very unusual to be excluded. Where you’ll run into exclusion is more on the discussion and theory side of things. And obviously, don’t try and intrude on support spaces.
YES
All misogyny, that obligates women to certain behavior, also obligates men to certain behavior.
Disregarding those expectations and/of hierarchy is absolutely an expression of feminism that you can express.
Appealing to “Well, it impacts you too” is great for what it’s worth, but it misses the point that we should be focused on inequality above and beyond the stuff that impacts you specifically.
It doesn’t miss the point, allowing and encouraging men to engage in traditionally feminine activities like childrearing, domestic work, expressing empathy etc enables the women around them to engage in non traditional behavior.
Inequality is a systems problem, personal behavior and expectations is a personal problem, and both need to be addressed.
I’m well aware. But the reality is, a reply in a feminist community, that focused on mens needs is what got the attention and the up votes. And that prioritisation of men’s interests over women’s is part of the problem.
Feminism includes men, but focusing on men to highlight its importance, sustains the problem feminism exists to address in the first place.
There’s a mens liberation community if you’re interested in specifically how sexism impacts men. If you’re interested just generally, please stay here and have a poke around, everyone is welcome :)
