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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Can men be feminists?

53 replies

IsSamNormansDad · 24/09/2012 15:42

This is my first post in FWR, so please be gentle.
I was chatting with DH about random stuff and he remarked that girls always seemed to be portrayed playing with 'house stuff' and boys seemed to be portrayed being 'actiony' (his words not mine).
I agreed, and said that with a DC of each sex, he best get used to his daughter being told she couldn't/shouldn't play with stuff that's not 'girly', must wear pink etc. he got a bit annoyed that it would be assumed that she wouldn't be as strong as her brother etc.
He was really quite pissed off when he realised she might not have the same opportunities as her brother just because she's a girl. I told him that I think he is a feminist, but DH thinks only women can be feminists. He's wrong isn't he?

OP posts:
monsterchild · 24/09/2012 16:01

sorry, do identify as feminists.

monsterchild · 24/09/2012 15:49

Of course men can be feminists. I don't think a lot of men choose to call themselves that, but equality is the same by any name, right?

It may be more common for men to call themselves "pro-feminist" but certainly some men no identify themselves as feminist.

YoullLaughAboutItOneDay · 24/09/2012 15:44

Some feminists do believe that only women can be feminists. I forget the rationale - something about how you have to be part of the oppressed group to identify fully with it I think.

The more mainstream view is, yes, men can be feminists.

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