At the start of this month, I shared with you 50 reasons why I am a feminist and you guys seemed to really enjoy it but most importantly agree with the points I was making. In my quest to do more posts about feminism on my blog, today I thought I would share with you something very similar to what I did in my last post about feminism. Today, I want to tell it from a man's perspective. Obviously, I am a woman! I am a white, middle-class, straight woman so my perception and experience with feminism are very different to that of a black, trans feminist or even a male who identifies himself as a feminist.
1. Because feminism is about equality for both men AND women
2. Because men face pressure by gender stereotypes just like girls and women
3. Men are taught that they have to be tall and strong
4. And that they have to suppress emotions such as fear and sadness
5. Because they are told that it is weak to cry and they shouldn't do it
6. Because men are put under pressure to have manly hobbies such as being into sports
7. Men have to prove themselves by using violence and intimidation to solve problems
8. Because men are taught to objectify women, Seeing them as sex objects and not someone they can have a meaningful relationship with
9. Because 40% of domestic violence victims are men
10. Because a man should be able to stay at home and look after the kids and not feel embarrassed or ashamed for it
11. Because you wouldn't like it if a woman you loved was catcalled
12. Just because most perpetrators of sexual abuse are men, it doesn't mean women can't be perpetrators too and certainly does not mean that ALL men are incapable of controlling themselves and are also perpetrators
13. Because gender stereotypes and male representation also hurts men, even in Disney films
14. Suicide amongst men is four times higher than what it is among women
15. Because "“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.” (Emma Waston. Heforshe) for both men and women
16. Because men are put under pressure to be 'one of the guys' and to fit in
17. Because in 2014, 4623 men took their own life
18. because not all men fit the 'macho men' category and this is okay
19. Just because you are a man it doesn't make you immune from supporting equality
20. Because domestic violence happens to men, not just women but is hidden in secrecy and shame
21. because just like there is job roles, the patriarchy tells women they can not do- it's the same for men! Think nurses, early years' practitioners and primary school teachers
22. Because men are expected that they should have to endure dangerous and violent jobs
23. Because the patriarchy also puts stereotypes upon men, as much as it does women
24. Because men will benefit from working alongside more women in STEM Jobs
25. Because just like women, men also are faced with unrealistic expectations of what their body should look like, putting pressure and shame among many men who can't meet these so called ideals
26. because men are criticised for showing too much emotion
27. Because men are taught that they should fight for dominance between a group of guys by putting other guys down.
28. Because being a stay at home dad is something to be ashamed of
29.Because the patriarchy affects both sexes
30. Because men are expected to always pay for their other half at dinner etc. to show their male power
31. Because men are always expected to have answers
32. Because it's seen as odd if men want to wear makeup, but women can cake it on
33. Because skirts and dresses are seen as clothing items for women only
34. Because both men and women can run a company, be a boss or have a high-powered position just as well as each other
35. Because if a boy hasn't lost his virginity yet, he's teased and tormented by his peers
36. Because pay should be based on your skills not your gender. Men should accept this and not feel it's mandatory to be paid more than his female counterparts
37. Men are taught to be the protector in a relationship not the protected
38. Because both men and women can be raped
39. Because men shouldn't stand for having women being objectified in magazines and commercials- it could be their wife one day
40. Because by calling yourself a feminist you are helping recognise the historical and systematic oppression women and men have been through
41. Because it's nothing to be ashamed off, in fact, being a feminist is something you should be very very proud of
42. Because men are expected to be a handy man and the main money maker in the family
43. Because men need to realise that objectification of women isn't just something we should accept but challenge
44. Because you might have a son or daughter one day who deserves to be brought up in an accepting and stereotyped free world
45. Because the phrase 'Stop acting like a woman' can cause men mental and emotional distress and this is not okay
46. Because the fight for equality between men and women everywhere, can't and shouldn't just be done by women
47. Because men need to realise their social responsibility in speaking out, to stop the pandemic of violence against women
48. Because feminism isn't about demonising men. In fact, it's there to help you guys out too!
49. because although the word feminism has 'fem' in it, it doesn't mean it is strictly for women!
50. Because Men should understand and recognise that ,women don't hate them. Feminism isn't just about women it's about equality for everyone- and that includes men too!!
Are you a feminist? Do you know any men that are feminists? Do you think feminism should just be for women or for men as well? Let me know in the comments below!
Thank you for reading, as always x
This is a really great list. I wish more GUYS would read this. :)
ReplyDeleteS .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com
Glad you enjoyed x
DeleteThis is a great post. I feel like there's a lot of negative connotations around feminism because people don't entirely understand the meaning, when really it's simply about men and women being EQUAL. I definitely think men can be feminists too, and I find it really encouraging when a man is not afraid to stand up and say that he is!
ReplyDeleteHannah xx
www.hannahemilylane.com
Yes! When a man is proud to be a feminist and not afraid of the connotations associated with feminism, it makes me really happy x
DeleteLOVED this! Like, honestly there's ZERO reason for men (or anyone) not to be feminist. It's crazy we're currently having elections in Austria between two people and one of them openly stated that he loathes feminists and that he is against equal rights for women and men. Still he got 50% of the votes. Like HOW can you vote for someone like that?
ReplyDeleteLove, Kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
wow! Thats crazy! I thought we had moved along so far, I guess we have still got a long way to go
DeleteLoved reading this! Please check out my latest post.
ReplyDeleteKisses xo | From Aliona With Love
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Twitter @alionawithlove
Thank you x
DeleteI think one of the main misconception of feminism is that it is for women and people don't realise it is for both, lovely post xx
ReplyDeletewww.blossomofhope.blogspot.com
Yes definitely! Thank you x
DeleteEveryone needs to read this!! Amazing blog post: simple and straight to the point. Well done :)
ReplyDeleteaishettina.blogspot.it
Thank you x
DeleteYes!! Every single damn one of these.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, Libfem.com xxx
thank you x
DeleteYes!! Every single damn one of these.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, Libfem.com xxx
Glad you agree!
Deleteperfect post ! I love the way you think..
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Thanks x
DeleteThis is a great post Nicole! I have to say, I wouldn't have classed myself as a feminist as I didn't understand the word as such - media has portrayed it to be such a negative thing :(, but after your post I am warming to the idea. I recently watched a video on YouTube on which Emma Watson spoke her feelings about feminism for the He4She campaign, well worth the watch!
ReplyDeletePaige xo // The Joys of Being Paige
Emma Watson is so a role model to me and a fully back her He4She campaign! I hope that my educating you through more posts like these on my blog, you will be able to call yourself a feminist- that would be great x
DeleteThis needs to be sent to every guy! Great points!
ReplyDeletea life of a charlotte
x
aw thank you x
DeleteThis is so true! I think feminists get such a bad rep that people assume they're just men haters!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Yep! I wish more people would understand that is not what it is about at all x
DeleteFeminism is exactly as you put it, the equality of men & women. Unfortunately, I thing the 'Fem' part does put a lot of men off from identifying as such, ironically because of the connotation that they will be seen as feminine! I think a lot more men agree with feminist views than would acknowledge that they are feminist. My Father-in-Law identifies as a feminist, which surprised me when I heard him say it. Not because he treats women as lesser beings or anything like that, but because he's in his 70s & grew up in a very different time. It was refreshing to hear & I hope more men begin to think as my Father-in-law does, that being a feminist is gentlemanly & respectful. Xx
ReplyDeleteTania | When Tania Talks
That is really positive and encouraging to hear! I understand that different generations of people have different views on topics like feminism as they grew up with up. That is why I think it is really important to educate up and coming generations so that they have more understanding of the concept and are able to help make bring complete equality for men and women!
DeletePREACH IT NICOLE! I'm 100% a feminist, and to me that means just as much fighting for equality between femininity and masculinity as well as men and women x
ReplyDelete- Anne @ Annesmiles
Thank you! Yes I 100% agree x
DeleteThis is such a great post! I think its very important to educate people about the true meaning of feminism; that is for women AND men, and you do such an awesome job of explaining why!
ReplyDelete-Minerva
nerdwordblog.blogspot.com
This is a good blog and is showing positive side.. I appreciate for the meaningful information shared on this blog Online Shopping
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