Opinion: Feminism is a man’s issue

Feminism is more of a man’s issue than a woman’s issue.  

If we keep acting like feminism and sexism is only about women, then men will not take it seriously. If it’s not about them, then it’s not about them.  

But this misconception needs to be addressed. 

First of all, feminism is not just a man’s issue. It affects all people of all genders and sexualities and can even intersect into ageism, ableism, classism and similar movements. 

“It’s problematic to flatten an issue like feminism or gender injustice by calling it a “women’s issue,” said Mollie Murphy, a Utah State University assistant professor in gender studies.  

Murphy talked about how education is a crucial point in understanding feminism. If one is not familiar with gender in its basic principles, then it can be an elusive topic. You don’t have to take gender studies classes to understand it, but taking any humanities classes can teach us about all the ‘isms and can help to open our minds. 

When we become aware of this, Murphy said people can start to connect to gendered and sexual minorities, as well as members of other groups feminism represents.  

Some resources Murphy suggested include the documentaries “The Mask You Live In” and “Tough Guise 2”; the TED talk by Jackson Katz, “Violence Against Women — it’s a men’s issue”; and the organization Men Can Stop Rape.  

“Young boys learn early on in life that to be masculine is first and foremost to not be feminine. Masculinity and femininity are inextricably linked,” Murphy said. “And the ways in which they are socially constructed carry significant implications for people of all genders and intersect with other factors such as race, sexual orientation, class, ability and culture.” 

Young boys and young girls alike are groomed and raised to believe in certain things and act certain ways. Girls are rewarded for showing emotion and acting feminine while boys are rewarded for aggression and toughness. Girls are punished for “acting masculine” and not caring about their looks. Boys are punished for “acting feminine” and crying.  

This mindset can change. People can grow and learn to show emotion, or not, and act masculine and/or feminine regardless of their gender. We’re still a long way from “eliminating” gender completely, especially since gender binaries are so embedded into almost every aspect of every culture’s way of life.  

But everyone deserves respect. Everyone needs to put in an effort to make a change because sexism is still very prevalent. Sexism is not the same as misandry, where women are considered superior to men. 

This concept is just as toxic, but for many cultures is more hypothetical than anything else. We can all imagine misandry, but considering the modern context, it’s impossible to truly comprehend.  

Many men and women view feminism in the most negative sense. It’s seen as a rebellious movement that has been demonized and taken out of context. It doesn’t help that many feminists have an inferiority complex, even if they have good reasons for their beliefs. Demonizing and antagonizing the “other” — often men — is extremely unhelpful and only further pushes them away.  

It’s not an “other” issue. Men suffer from misandry and heteronormative policies as well and we all need to work together to make changes for the better.  

This isn’t about us and it’s not about them. It’s about everyone.

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Megan Cowdell is a second-year communications student. She loves going on bike rides, reading mystery novels and watching cheesy movies.
— A02334008@usu.edu

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Keith Wilson is a cartoonist for the Statesman. He is majoring in biochemistry and enjoys puns, drawing and big band swing dancing.