The question of whether or not men can be feminists has been around since the inception of modern feminism, but no matter how you feel about the debate, I think we can all agree that it’s unspeakably frustrating when men automatically say they aren’t feminists, as though being a feminist would be crazy. Which is why this video of men figuring out that they are feminists after all (at least in a general sense) is pretty great.
It’s not easy figuring out where guys fit in feminism — although intersectionality is good for everyone, feminism is often understood solely to be about the liberation of women. Obviously that’s a huge part of it; as such, it makes the most sense for women to be the ones determining what we need for ourselves. Plus, there’s an unfortunate history when it comes to prominent male feminists of these men trying to speak over female feminists orengaging in abusive behavior. Feminism obviously doesn’t do any good if the movement itself is going to replicate the very power imbalances and injustices we’re fighting against.
Still, while the discussion around the place for male feminists is ongoing, I’ve always believed that absolutely everybody should be on board with the things feminism is about.Everyone can be a feminist — but the fact that so many people haven’t realized this is frustrating. Which is why this video is pretty great.
In the video, which was created by Upworthy, men were asked a series of questions, and their answers were illuminating. Here are some highlights; scroll down to watch the whole video.
“When You Hear The Term Feminism, What Do You Think Of?”
In a pleasant surprise, most of the men in the video talked about equality and women’s rights, with several especially stressing equal pay. The subject of bra burning or body hair didn’t come up once.
“Would You Ever Consider Yourself A Feminist?”
When faced with this question, though, some guys weren’t so sure. Answers ranged from immediate “no”s to uncomfortable “I don’t thinks so”s to outright laughter.
“Why Do You Think You Wouldn’t Consider Yourself A Feminist?”
It seems that for some guys, not being a feminist is partly about not really being clear on what feminism is. But this guy is quick to assure us he does love and respect women.
When Faced With The Real Definition Of Feminism
Once the real definition of feminism is explained — that it’s about equality for men and women — more guys definitely seem on board.
“How Would You Feel To Realize That You Were A Feminist?”
And when told that they in fact seem to be feminists already? The guys in the video seem pretty cool with it. One even takes it as a major compliment.
So you see? Maybe male feminism isn’t quite as rare as we think it is.
You can see all the response in the full video below.
Images: Upworthy/YouTube (7)
They should have asked them what their idea or definition of equality was.
It’s been pointed out before; But again, -of course- definitions of abstractions like ideologies and religions are highly subjective, fluid and transitory. I always find it highly questionable, naive, or otherwise disingenuous when a proponent of such simply tries to whitewash away the more contentious, divergent or otherwise illiberal aspects, facets or interpretations of their philosophy, ideology or religion. ‘If you just knew the Real Definition, you’d agree with me’ – that’s rhetorically powerful, but objectively meaningless when dealing with the relativities and subjectivities of abstractions like ideologies. I’ve mentioned this before too, but I’ll say it again; there… Read more »
Do you believe in equal rights for men? Congrats you’re an MRA. Believe in equal rights for women? Congrats, you’re a feminist.
So that means anyone that believes in equality for all people is both feminist and MRA.
Glad we got that straight.
“So that means anyone that believes in equality for all people is both feminist and MRA.”
…and a Libertarian and a Communist…
…and a Capulet and a Montague…
How you define a term is one thing, but how the group of people who identify with that term behave is another. I identify myself as someone who supports gender fairness on the basis that we’re all human and rational beings who deserve to have their humanity respected. However, I have found people who identify themselves as feminists to act as though they are the only ones who have authority over gender equality. Equal say should be given to everybody and respected, whether they identify themselves as feminists or not. If you don’t agree with what someone says, then make… Read more »
This shows that the propaganda is working well. After all the pay gap has been debunked countless times , yet people still quote it, why is that.
I wish I’d kept a copy of what I had posted. As you can see, it was removed. The non-fe m in is t has been silenced again
Perhaps I’ll try this again … working off memory. 1.) appears fe m in is m is losing ground in that they would take snippets out of context to make their case 2.) There was no mention to these people as to what f em in is m has not done for men 3.) fe m in is m doesn’t have a corner on what was described on behalf of wo men. 4.) I believe in the same things and have never been and will never be a fe m in is t. 5. as a non fe m in… Read more »
The dictionary definition has no bearing on reality
Of course it’s in mod …./ my comment that is.