Seriously, is this a thing? Why is this a thing right now?
Sigh…. all right.
This is one of those rare times in life when I will say that words truly matter. Moreover, the understanding of words and the impact they carry truly matters. Recently, the internet has been alive with the new viral slogan: “I don’t need feminism…” You can see one of its supporters above. In the face of it, this is a perplexing image. That woman does not look stupid. She has at least mastered writing… and wearing a shirt.
What the f*ck then?
In looking at these pictures and touring the websites, I have made a discovery: there are a lot of people out there who don’t know the actual definition of feminism. So, real quick – here it is:
“Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies aimed at defining, establishing, and defending a state of equal political, economic, cultural, and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment.”
Google the definition of feminism and that’s what you get. Also, have the Merriam-Webster definition for good measure. So really, what is the issue? According to definition, feminism sounds pretty reasonable to me – and I’m a guy. I gain nothing from sharing my power and rights with women but – I believe women are people (crazy) – so this really is a non-issue. Except it is an issue apparently, though not with “feminism” as it is defined above. Let’s look at a few more beacons of human hope:
Okay, but based on the definition of feminism – this doesn’t make sense.Again, nowhere in the definition does it say that being a woman is a disadvantage.Well this just… wait, what’s that in the corner?
I think I have found the problem. Not only do people not know what “feminism” means, they are supporting a false definition. In the lower right corner, it reads “radical feminism sucks” – just in case you were wondering. “Radical” by definition means extreme and extreme ideologies, by tradition, tend to suck. Are there radical feminists out there who have demonized men as “villains” in an extreme distortion of basic views. Yes, idiots exist (I have pictures of four of them above). That said, those people are not the definition of feminism. They are not even really part of the movement.
Let’s use another definition to make an example: let’s use Christianity. Christianity is the belief in Jesus as Jesus Christ, the son of god and savior to mankind. Ever read the Bible? Jesus seems to be a very tolerant and open guy whose only real problem is the hoarding of wealth and the mistreatment of the poor (boy, he would love America right now). That said, there are radical Christians who believe that Jesus hates gays, immigrants, women, etc. etc. insert minority group here. Hating feminism because of radical feminists is like hating Christianity because of radical Christians.
Actually, it’s probably worse since there exists serious inequality out there between men and women. To anyone who doesn’t believe that: open your eyes. Watch the news.
So, the definition of feminism is becoming distorted and that is a shame. We need to take control of this word back. If the definition loses its meaning, this is a setback for human rights. Feminism is not an invalid movement. Human rights are not something you don’t need because a small number may abuse them.
I have written before on the dangers of willful ignorance: the belief that you and you alone hold the answers and any “facts” that say otherwise are either coming from a biased or erroneous source. When people are willfully ignorant, they ignore their own bias, they ignore their ability to be wrong. It must be wonderful to be right all the time, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a human trait.
Everyone knows that pretty quotes are the most true.
Women Against Feminism is run by women. Emily Shire, a sane individual judging from her writing, tried to reach out and understand this group more thoroughly. Please find her article here.
Will this movement die? Very likely. It is fundamentally idiotic. When even Urban Dictionary can give this as a definition, there is little hope that these extremists will derail the feminist movement. Personally, I don’t need people who say they don’t need feminism. I would only ask that they read the dictionary.
When you don’t know what a word means, you risk looking like an idiot (by the way, this photo was taken for solely ironic purposes).
Recently, I heard on the news that there had been another shooting. I tuned it out, I honestly could not deal with hearing about another senseless act of gun violence. The atrocity that I was numbing myself to was, of course, the Isla Vista tragedy. It was not until later that the matter was brought to my attention again. This time I heard more about what had happened: a hate crime – a man (his name really does not matter) shot and killed six people because he was an out-of-control misogynist. Was this the action of a mentally disturbed individual: he probably was. That said, to call this crime “insane” is to put it in a far away box and not examine the issue. This act was not random, it was fully planned out. The savage history of it exists on the internet and can be viewed right now.
There is a perception of this crime as an isolated incident that I feel is incorrect. I am not the only one who feels this way – the #YesAllWomen movement on Twitter, as well as really every feminist and humanist rally out there, acknowledges that this hatred is sadly not isolated. What happened in Isla Vista was an extreme version of an all too common incident. While there is no rationalization to be learned from the killer (NOTHING will ever make what he did forgivable – in any circumstance), there is an alarming window into society. The killer was not evil, he was a human being. He grew up in the United States, he had an education – he was probably a very intelligent individual. That is what makes it frightening. We’re not dealing with a boogeyman, we’re dealing with a person. That is why I am writing this article.
Let me show you a video from Joss Whedon that I saw last year:
Whether you agree with all the points he made or not, there is one line that simply sums up the issue at hand: “You either believe women are people or you don’t. It’s that simple.”
Unfortunately, I believe that it has been (and to a lesser extent, still is) part of the American culture to view women as less than men… as less than people. Now, that is a loaded statement. For the record, I do not believe that American culture directly creates misogyny (hatred towards women), I believe that is only one reaction. Our culture is far more guilty of creating the attitude that, while women are special, they are not people like us men. It goes back to the image of the hero. I have posted this quote on this website before:
Look at that, there’s even a bald eagle next to it. This, to me, is still a beautiful quote. However, the term “hero” is problematic. What is a hero? Well, if you look at culture – you have Hercules, Superman, Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Batman… there are hundreds of examples (many of them are women, I am just focusing on the males to make my point). All of these characters are heroes and they all share similar qualities. They never give up, they keep fighting, they are true to themselves, etc. This pays off in victory. The hero saves the day, beats the bad guy, grabs the girl, and rides off into the sunset. Wait, slow down – grabs the girl? Yes, in many hero narratives, the good guy gets the girl – simply by being a good guy. This makes for wonderful literature but HAS (not could – HAS) contributed to a lesser view of women in society: simply that they are a treasure to be won. A reward for being good.
You may respond with: “That’s fantasy, I know the difference between that and real life.” If so, good for you but not everyone does. Also, this is a behavior that can happen subconsciously as well. Few men probably look at a women and directly wish to “own” her (at least I hope so). Yet there is a belief that good behavior brings rewards. This is not a bad belief to have. We should, as a species, be encouraged to do the right thing… but not for a reward. Fellow internet voice Arthur Chu wrote an article that wonderfully articulates the point I am trying to make (find it here). There does still exist the attitude that women owe men for our generosity, our kindness, our attentiveness… specifically: that women owe us for treating them like men.
Got bad news for all the “nice guys” complaining about being put in the fabled friendzone: if you were expecting sex, you’re not being a nice guy.
Have you ever heard a guy talk about how he listens to all his girlfriend’s problems and doesn’t really care but whatever, the sex afterwards made it worth it. I have, and I have not said anything. That’s just guy talk, right? Sure, some of us talk like that when only men are around but… but it’s because we think that’s okay. It’s guy talk – no harm comes from it. Except when it does. I was re-watching a show from childhood recently, X-Men Evolution, and I noticed something I had never even noticed before: Jean Grey was dating a total asshole before she dated Scott Summers.
What does that say about Jean Grey? I know it may look like I’m getting off topic here by talking about a stupid cartoon when people have just died but it is relevant. This is a show that (primarily) young boys, such as myself, watched. It helped to show how Scott Summers, by being the good guy, ultimately got Jean Grey… but seriously, what does it say about her that she is dating such a pig? Relationships say a lot about the individual and, in all other areas, Jean Grey was a strongly developed character. She was cool-headed, mature (even motherly to a point), and very confident… dating the loudmouth, cocky jock athlete. The show never shows their relationship in a positive light so the audience never likes her old boyfriend – you just wait and cheer for Scott to win her over, which he eventually does (to be fair, Jean decides to break up with her old boyfriend and date him but still). It was just such a throw away, another challenge for Cyclops to overcome in becoming the hero. For the record, the show also had some very positive episodes:
Okay, that diversion is done, back to the serious conversation: American culture needs to change. We are far too comfortable in our dismissive views of women as part of life’s achievements rather than as fellow travelers. Some out there may still think that I’m being extreme… it’s the 21st century after all. Very true, when’s the last time you heard someone ask a guy: “are you really going out dressed like that?”
When’s the last time you heard it said to a woman?
Is she being very assertive, yes. To the point of maybe being annoying: sure. Does any of that prevent her from being right and making a point: not the last time I checked.
As a guy, I have walked home late at night many times. Was I ever scared that I was going to be robbed: not really. Was I ever afraid that I would be raped for wearing clothing that just turned some rational, civilized human being into a sex-crazed monster: can’t say I’ve had that worry either. The existing rape culture results from this skewed view of women. Who could ever rape another human being? Furthermore, who could defend the perpetrator should that tragedy happen? We do. We do it every day: what were the other factors? Tell me about the girl?
THERE IS NO OTHER CRIME WHERE WE ASK QUESTIONS LIKE THAT.
“Oh, you got robbed? Did you leave that new big screen by a window… shit, man… sounds like you were asking for it.”
Insane right?
“Oh you were drinking, well murdering six people isn’t so bad then. You couldn’t control yourself.”
Seriously, it’s not a hard lesson to learn.
Women should not be labeled as extremists for asking for the same rights and protection that men enjoy. I am not saying: women, welcome to the crime-free awesome existence that men have, I am simply saying that it is time to stop saying that things are fair and actually MAKE them fair. Should parents teach their sons to be nice to the girl that he likes: absolutely. That said, the next lesson should be “she has no obligation to be nice back.” That’s life.
This is, for us men, a turning point. We have a lot of the power here. There is another video I would like to show you, this one is from Patrick Stewart (yes, as my sources indicate, I am this much of a geek):
Will there still be violence against women if the cultural view is changed. Yes. It isn’t like men are nothing but roses to each other. For the record, men are also not the only ones who can inflict abuse. The reason that I have focused this article on directing men to change is that we are the largest source of abuse. More men abuse women than women abuse men. Sorry guys, them’s the facts for right now.
We can all help to put this dark chapter behind us. To use Joss Whedon’s word: genderism is still alive and well in the United States. It always will be… but we can make it weaker. We can make it as backward and as persecuted as it should be. America believes in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is time that we spread that to everyone. So, nice guys, the next time you’re trying to win over a woman, just remember: she is another human being. There is nothing you can do to ultimately change the mind of another human being. Be nice, be the best you can be – just remember that you’re dealing with another you, even if he’s/she’s a different gender.
#BringBackOurGirls. Over the past several weeks, this slogan has dominated social media like no other. It has been at the center of a Twitter campaign, a Facebook campaign, an Instagram campaign… pretty much, if social media exists, it is carrying this message. The campaign started in response to a horrible atrocity being committed in Nigeria where militant terrorists (they claim to be Islamist but they are in fact, simple gun-toting thugs) have kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls. Yes, there are parts of the world still where it is the completely non-joking belief that women have no right to learn. The girls were kidnapped… weeks went by, nothing happened. Then there was a speech, a speech by Oby Ezekwesili, vice president of the World Bank for Africa. For anyone out there wondering where the slogan, “Bring Back Our Girls” came from, there is the answer. This slogan was picked up by Nigerian tweeters and circulated the world quickly. It wasn’t long before celebrities got involved, and then there was this:
First Lady Michelle Obama endorsing the #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
Let me stop right here and say that, even if this campaign had no effect, this gesture was (at worst) a kind thought; the equivalent of saying “hope you have a nice day” to a stranger on the street. Yeah, it doesn’t really do anything, but no one suffers because of it. Michelle Obama is the First Lady, not the President. She is not leading the free world, she has time for niceties such as this (if nicety had been all it was).
Of course, in the land of America (pronounced ‘Murrica), everything is political. This act was dissected and dissenters emerged:
Which, of course, merited a response:
(Apologies for the low quality on the Jon Stewart clip, I wanted to make sure our friends outside of ‘Murrica would have a working link)
You have to love the first world. It truly is a land of luxury. First world country (or rich, technologically sophisticated country) citizens have a luxury that other, less fortunate parts of the world do not. We can turn fact into opinion. Climate change, I don’t believe in it. No, no! Do not show me all of this “scientific data” and “unanimous agreement” that says it is, I can counter with one guy who says it’s not… so really it’s all equal. Of course, none of that matters to us in the first world. We will probably be able to avert the catastrophe of climate change while only countries like Africa suffer…
See here’s the thing. I’ve been looking around the interwebs and it’s only here, in first world places, where the effectiveness of this campaign is being debated. If you ask Nigeria… you get the more cut-and-dry answer of: we started the campaign for a reason you idiots! But what do they know, they’re from the third world… where you actually have to be intelligent or tenacious to stay alive.
I could give a link demonstrating how this campaign has been effective (here you go) and I could give a link showing how it hasn’t (I’m not going to cause it’s my blog, my choice). Let me just say this instead: doing something, even if that something might not work out in a positive way, is always – ALWAYS – better than openly doing nothing while criticizing people who are trying. There is a word for that in the English language, and I believe those people are called f*ckheads.
Ann Coulter proves once again that she can bring less to the value of humanity than anyone else alive.
There exists a depressing amount of horrible action in the world, and for most of it there is no response. The fact that the first world is concerned, actively concerned, is victory. The fact that the United States has sent people to help is a victory. You can not like the Michelle Obama picture… more to you if you don’t, but do not sit back and smugly say: “that will never work” without doing some f*cking homework to see how atrocities take place and how they are prevented. The vast majority of horrible things happened without the world knowing about them until it was too late (like say, the Holocaust). When the world is watching, less shit tends to happen. That is the power of the internet, that is why Edward Snowden is seen as either a traitor or a hero. Using the internet to spread awareness and information is one of the most powerful weapons out there.
Man, remember when people were wasting time talking about gay marriage? Nothing got accomplished there, right…
Can social media campaigns single-handedly change the world: no. They are nothing more than a tool or a gun. As always, the power lies with the people. I do not know if the girls will be found. I sincerely hope that they will and that these thugs are put to justice. I do know this, however. Given how the situation was going before #BringBackOurGirls started… there was no chance that they would have be found. People were doing nothing until social pressure (spurred on by social media) forced action.
Colin McMahon 
