In 1984, Gloria Watkins (pen name: bell hooks), influential feminist author and activist, famously stated that “feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.”
In her book, Feminism Is for Everybody, published 16 years later, Watkins wrote, “I like this definition [of sexism feminism] because it did not imply that men were the enemy.”
Patriarchy was then, and is now, the enemy. Patriarchy is a social system where men hold authority over women, children, property, and other men. Patriarchy is damaging to society because it oppresses women, and limits men.
Feminism developed as a way to combat patriarchy, but is often misunderstood by men.
Men need to recognize that feminism is an avenue for men to explore and expand gender, sexuality, and positive non-sexist community involvement.
But it’s vital that men also understand it’s not the responsibility of women to engage men in the feminist movement; feminism is a movement that encompasses all ethnicities, genders, and sexualities. Men are responsible to engage men in non-sexist, non-oppressive action.
In Victoria, there’s already an established community of feminist/LGBTQIA activists that may lead some to question how men are being represented. However, the existence of these communities isn’t leaving men in the dust.
They’re doing what they’ve always intended to do: empower women and promote a world free of patriarchy and sexist oppression. Spaces like women’s centres exist to create a safe place where women and all genders/sexualities can strengthen together.
Victoria has seen some male interaction against patriarchy, such as a recent event called Men and Feminism at Camas Books and Infoshop, but not enough. Victoria could benefit by gathering a group of men who already identify as feminists, and engage more men retroactively as the group expands.
If men became more informed about the dangers of patriarchy, then critical steps could be taken towards allying with feminist/LGBTQIA communities. Men could create a space for positive reinforcement in non-sexist lifestyle choices, and men could help redefine (or un-define) maleness.
This is an excellent article. And I would take it further.
Adam ends this piece by stating,”Men could create a space for positive reinforcement in non-sexist lifestyle choices, and men could help redefine (or un-define) maleness.”
I would suggest to Adam that it is entirely up to men to define maleness. Men have no place telling a woman how to define her femininity. She can give that power up to a man if she so chooses. But it is hers to define. And men have the same freedom. By taking the principles of equality, freedom of choice, and fairness, we men can make decisions that compliment a balanced society free from sexism directed towards themselves or women, while empowering ourselves. This is called ‘masculinism’ and it is about celebrating maleness in order to be a better to ourselves and our families.
I like this article. It clearly presents the true nature of the feminist movement. Feminists do not hate men, and the dismantling of the patriarchy will not be replaced with matriarchy. The first real step is responsibility of self, and speaking up against remarks that are sexist. If men wish to get involved in the social justice movement in their communities I would suggest joining an LGBTQQ* group. Camosun Pride, for example, is about acceptance, safer spaces, and is an egalitarian movement. Camosun Pride welcomes all those who support an equal society without exemption.