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Feminists Love Men

June 24th 2008 08:05
lipstick
Last night I read about a city in Malaysia that was banning lipstick and loud high heel shoes for Muslim women. The reasoning was that this would some how prevent sexual assault. Aside from being a ridiculous case of blaming the victim this story is a good example of why feminism is actually good for men.


If we are to believe that banning lipstick and the clack of high heels will prevent sexual assault then we must assume that these things encourage sexual assault. Of course we also have to ignore the fact that sexual assault and rape is not about sex but instead about using power and force over another person. Now if we believe that something as simple as lipstick or heels is all that it takes to excites men to the point of committing sexual assault what are saying about men in general? Do we really believe that they are such savage animals that the slightest thing will drive them to commit assault?

It is often said that feminists hate men, that feminists try to claim that all men are rapists and not to be trusted. Yet stories such as this remind us that it is not feminism that accuses men of such, it is often the very patriarchal societies themselves. When they say that women must hide themselves away, not do this or that, and need to be careful not to do anything to tempt men the flip side of that is that men are so sex driven and irrational that they are ready to attack at any moment.


While it is true that the vast majority of rapists are men, the vast majority of men are not rapists. Unfortunately when surrounded with the constant message that they are it can cause men to absorb that message. Just like constantly telling someone they are worthless makes them believe they are, constantly telling an entire culture of men that they are such savage animals that they would rape at the slightest hint of lipstick sinks in and makes many truly believe it.

When feminists fight the rape culture we are not saying that men are rapists and animals. In contrast by bringing to light examples like this and expecting men to rise above this we are complimenting you. We are saying that we know you are rational, capable human beings. We know that you are not a savage animal controlled by lust. We know that you can be more than the cultural image of men portrayed by patriarchal societies. And because we know that men can do better we expect you to do so.

If that's not love, I don't know what it.
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Comments
7 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Jeff Musall

June 25th 2008 02:26
Very well put, I couldn't agree more.

Comment by Summer Minor

June 25th 2008 04:20
Thank you Jeff.

Comment by apu

July 9th 2008 08:46
Couldn't agree more. By refusing to believe that men are programmed to be savage, infantile, irresponsible, forever-little-boys, feminists are actually asking men to take responsibility for their actions, and believe that they CAN.

Comment by RukmaniRam

July 10th 2008 21:11
Well written. It's all in the mind isn't it?

Comment by Maria Rosa

October 3rd 2008 17:13
"Yet stories such as this remind us that it is not feminism that accuses men of such, it is often the very patriarchal societies themselves."

Great article overall except you are still blaming men by implying that the reason some Islamic countries teach this way is because they are Patriarchal, ruled by men.

But that aside, I agree with you. Islamic countries that teach this way make men look stupid and savage. I personally think their rationale is just an excuse however, for one more chance to repress women. And don't get me wrong. I do not think this is a male problem. I think this is an Islamic problem. Islam hates women. Period.

Comment by Maria Rosa

October 3rd 2008 17:16
Sorry, I meant "oppress women", not "repress women". Sometimes I think I both oppress and repress my brain. Thanks again for the great article.

Comment by Anonymous

October 3rd 2008 21:51
Actually Maria, Patriarchal means Father ruled, not necessarily all men. And in modern times "father" can be taken rather loosely to mean the specific males in father-like positions, places of power. Which leaves out the majority of men in society. Which is why patriarchy hurts men as well as women, though to varying degrees.

As to saying this is specifically Islam, not at all. The actual teachings of Islam are fairly female-friendly. Yes, some groups do move towards an anti-woman stance. However so do some Christian groups, some Jewish groups, ect... Most of the big religions can be pulled in either direction, it depends on the agenda of the people interpreting the teachings. If the person/people in power want the teachings to be interpreted as anti-woman then they will be. An example where some Christian based churches allow female pastors and some don't let women have any roles of authority. It's all a matter of who is putting their own agenda into the verses.

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