Can Men Be Feminists?

[Yambabe]

Musing. While I've always been on the side of equality and rights for women I don't think, in the past, I would have called myself a feminist.

I'm now starting to do a little more background reading about history and feminist theories, but only really started and don't have the knowledge that I know some of you all do.

The more I read the more interesting it get though, and the more I realise that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of feminism. The basic premise seems to be that society treats men as superior to women, women are oppressed by patriarchy and that feminism exists in all its various forms to try and lift that oppression and attain true equality for women.

So with that in mind, is feminism something that only women can truly understand or is it something that can be open to anyone who understands the premise? There are undoubtedly some men who empathise with the theories and aims of feminism but are they feminists or just supporters?

Not sure where I'm going with this, just curious to see how others view it I think. Also happy to take on board any reading recommendations (although I have already found the other sections of FWR to be a great resource).

And having that means you cannot be a feminist? As in you don't think it's theoretically possible to be self aware enough to realize one has these, and to be fully objective of them / independent of them in ones analysis and thus in ones opinions? E.g. what if you grew up in a household where you saw your sister being treated differently, and you understand it in that way?

On a similar note, not about sex but about class, can a class privileged person fight for the lower/oppressed class (what's the equivalent word for feminist here) and be called whatever the word is?

On a similar note, not about sex but about class, can a class privileged person fight for the lower/oppressed class (what's the equivalent word for feminist here) and be called whatever the word is?

It has been my observation that they do this by acquiring a position of political power for themselves.
They often abuse that power while they self righteously demand accolades for all they have done. Thinking politicians here, though you may not be.

“On a similar note, not about sex but about class, can a class privileged person fight for the lower/oppressed class (what's the equivalent word for feminist here) and be called whatever the word is?”

Tony Benn did. But as far as I am aware, he never called himself “whatever the word is”.

I think the key is acknowledging privilege. Men in this discussion seem to find that hard.

My verdict on me. I'm a strong ally but I can't be a feminist. Too much testosterone and male privilege. I admit it.

Tony Benn did. But as far as I am aware, he never called himself “whatever the word is”.

Maybe because there is no word? Socialist (and the equivalent to men falsely claiming feminist label would be champagne socialist) but that is not the same imo.

Anyway, I am not a fan of labels, you speak through your actions, not what you, or others, label you. Hence I would be wary of men who claim to be feminists. Especially those, as we have already seen in the thread, that say well isn't feminism just equality, I am all for equality so yes I am a feminist.

And having (male entitlement and male privilege) means you cannot be a feminist?

It's certainly one good reason. Male entitlement is why men take over women's projects and dominate them, and male privilege is how they get away with it.

In my view the best thing for men to do would be to develop a masculinist movement (or something) and set about dismantling the patriarchy because of the harms it does to male humanity.

Being a male feminist (even for the best of motives) is still a form of projecting men's problems on to women.

Not really interested in being a feminist since I believe in equality and my partner wouldn't approve of me becoming a sexual predator at my time of life anyway. Not with these legs.
And thanks very much, but I'll pass on being an 'ally' which seems to have changed meaning lately to mean "allowed to fetch a thrown stick"

I'll simply continue my own small efforts, but without a Feminist Approved badge. It'll be tough but my male privilege will help me bear up under the strain. If it gets too much I can go do some manspreading or even sit on the back porch and play the banjo.

Oh wait wrong stereotype. I do get them mixed up. Do you lot have a list you consult or have you memorised them so you know what to expect from people?

Tony Benn did. But as far as I am aware, he never called himself “whatever the word is”.

Working class hero? Salt of the earth? Man of the people?

Benn was pretty consistent in not putting up with sexism either. Remember him and Ali G? One of the few people that wouldn't hear shit.

It is very simple what men have to do! LISTEN! If you are interested in women's welfare and rights and feminism, don't talk over us, don't crack stupid, unfunny jokes, don't take over, don't tell us we are doing it wrong. Just LISTEN.

but I'll pass on being an 'ally' which seems to have changed meaning lately to mean "allowed to fetch a thrown stick"

Have to agree on this one. It’s not really a word I’ve used much recently because I feel it’s been tainted so much by all the TRA stuff. The meaning used to be ‘I’m not part of this group per se but I’m with you on your aims.’ Now it seems to me a a sort of squeamish master-servant with extra guilt relationship that’s deeply unhealthy. It’s no longer a term that implies balance and respect between the person supported and supporting.

I never liked the word ally...too much of the old 'laissez faire' about it. We will make do. No.

We need to all do what needs to be done. In men's case, LISTEN.