Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?

635 replies

LaVoixDeLaRaison · 09/09/2014 18:47

When I was at university, the Gender Equality society (of which I was a member) chose to rename itself the Feminist society, arguing that the only way equality could be achieved was by focusing on women's issues. This led some other students to set up an MRA group, which was met with some resistance from the feminists. On this very board I see commenters angrily referring to MRAs as if they are all members of an evil homogeneous group.

Isn't it possible that men and women both suffer oppression from society in different ways? That the levels of this oppression are not necessarily equal, but are still important if we are to achieve equality? I often see feminists agreeing with certain 'male issues' (e.g. media stereotypes, elevated male suicide rate), but suggesting that feminism has other priorities, and if they want to do something about these issues then they should make their own groups. Why do they get criticized when they do exactly that? Better still, wouldn't feminism be better off if it didn't alienate so many men (and women, focused on a wider range of issues, and stopped pitting the sexes against one another?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:25

'Like' Hoppy!

I like this one too, I think it is apt as well.

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?
PetulaGordino · 09/09/2014 23:27

Um, it's not just me alone who has received threats from MRAs. Why do you not believe that this is systemic behaviour of self-declared MRAs towards feminists?

LaVoixDeLaRaison · 09/09/2014 23:28

Zazzles007

Where have I blamed any of the problems I've listed on feminism? In an earlier post I said exactly the opposite, so I'm curious as to why you've arrived at that conclusion.

StevesBollocksAnalogy
I fully intend on responding sensibly, that's been my intention on all posts! I'm glad that you find some of the issues affecting men abhorrent, because not all feminists would agree with you. If you feel that the issues affecting women are more pressing (and in most cases I'd be inclined to agree), then that's absolutely fine, and I'm not trying to say that you personally should devote your energy to problems which are secondary. What I am trying to say is that there should be room in the feminist movement for men's issues to be supported by those who do feel that they are primary, but this has become impossible due to pressure from radical feminists who attack MRAs, when really most of them want to work towards the same goal.

OP posts:
ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 09/09/2014 23:30

All of your posts basically read 'blah blah, poor men blah blah, why aren't women fighting for our rights?!'

Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:30

Oh this is a good one too!

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?
PetulaGordino · 09/09/2014 23:30

Men's issues are never going to be "primary" in feminism

Why would they be?

Men will benefit as a whole through feminism's goals but it's never going to be the primary focus

The whole world is focused on men's issues. That is the point

LaVoixDeLaRaison · 09/09/2014 23:31

PetulaGordino
Sorry for how I've come across because that's incorrect, I do believe that. I believe that self-styled MRAs systematically send abusive and threatening messages to many feminists. I just don't think the people who are genuinely interested in men's rights (and the wider scope of overall gender equality) should be tarred with the same brush as these idiots.

OP posts:
Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:31

Come off it, we see right through you. Just because you are unable to see when others are lying, doesn't mean that others can't see when you are lying.

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 09/09/2014 23:32

I prefer the less subtle... (Thanks for these Zazzle, always useful to have stored).

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?
StevesBollockAnalogy · 09/09/2014 23:32

No, I'm sorry, that's bollocks. The vast majority of feminists would say our patriarchal society as it stands is damaging for men. The fact is that it is far easier and more convenient to decide that a lot or most feminists are the radical "feminazis" than to think 'maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I am part of he problem". Feminism is not misandry, and anyone exhibiting misandrist views is not a feminist. It is as simple as that. Feminism is believing that men and women should receive equal rights and opportunities. Stop hiding behind the extremists.

Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:33

I like this one too.

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?
Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:34

No worries Hoppy, I've got them handy too Wink.

LaVoixDeLaRaison · 09/09/2014 23:34

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit
Well I hope that's not truly the case because that's not what I believe at all, but if that's the way that you see it, then so be it. I don't see what's offensive about men and women fighting for the rights of men and women. I'm sure a lot of us love both men and women in our lives, so I feel the division is harmful.

OP posts:
StevesBollockAnalogy · 09/09/2014 23:35

Zazzles I am actually in love with you Grin Please be my friend??

JustTheRightBullets · 09/09/2014 23:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:36

Hahaha, taking friend requests now [bows to applause].

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 09/09/2014 23:36

Men who fight for equal rights for all, and fight against patriarchal stereotypes that hurt us all, do not call themselves Mens Rights Activists. I'm beginning to think you don't actually know what MRAs groups do .

scallopsrgreat · 09/09/2014 23:37

It's worth reading this thread just for the memes Grin.

Still idly wondering what you are doing about the global problem of male violence against women, OP?

StevesBollockAnalogy · 09/09/2014 23:39

The OP has made it clear that what he/she/it is doing about it is completely irrelevant to this discussion, so they will not be answering the question.
Just like he they have been not answering questions for the whole fred.

Zazzles007 · 09/09/2014 23:40

Oh here we go, here is the crux of the MRA movement in a nutshell, thinly disguised here.

Why are feminists so threatened by the MRA movement?
NormaStanleyFletcher · 09/09/2014 23:40

"I believe that self-styled MRAs systematically send abusive and threatening messages to many feminists. I just don't think the people who are genuinely interested in men's rights (and the wider scope of overall gender equality) should be tarred with the same brush as these idiots."

Ok. I'll bite. Can you ink me to a single MRA forum (or site with comments) where I can observe and engage with non tar brushed activists?

scallopsrgreat · 09/09/2014 23:42

Oh the "it's not relevant" bit was in response that question.

Why is it not relevant OP, given that you are demanding similar considerations from us about men?

LaVoixDeLaRaison · 09/09/2014 23:42

JustTheRightBullets

I'm sorry that in your experience MRAs have universally seemed to be sexist and misogynistic, but it doesn't correspond with what I've seen. Annoyingly, the most idiotic voices tend to shout the loudest, and that leads to the misrepresentation of many groups. Your suggestions are exactly what I'd like to happen. I identify as a feminist and an MRA (I don't think the terms are mutually exclusive), and I hope that someday both groups can find common ground and work together towards gender equality.

scallopsrgreat

I'm still idly wondering why it's relevant. As soon as you can tell me how it affects the quality of my argument, I'd be more than happy to list off every piece of activism I've ever done, if you would like.

OP posts:
AnnieLobeseder · 09/09/2014 23:43

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit - exactly the point I was trying to make with my Inigo Montoya memes. Which everyone is ignoring [sulks]

ifyourehoppyandyouknowit · 09/09/2014 23:44

I like the inigo memes Thanks

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Posting is temporarily suspended on this thread.