50 Reasons Why Men Should Be Feminists

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. 

Feminism isn't just for women! Here are 50 reasons, why not! Enjoy!

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