By Jemima Harrison
Feminism can be defined as the advocacy of women’s rights, on the basis of the equality of the sexes. The second part of this definition is often left behind in discussions surrounding feminism - equality of the sexes.
Third Wave feminism strives for equality for both men and women. Undeniably, women often take centre stage in discussions surrounding equality of the sexes, but men, especially young men, must also be included in these incredibly important discussions.
"It is essential that our concepts of society are flipped, and the prevailing patriarchy is questioned."
Areas that are in need of attention, advocacy, and advancement include the male suicide rate, the emotive communication and flexibility of men, as well as the pressures of toxic masculinity. These are issues which have been built into the current patriarchy, and which put detrimental pressure on young men. The experiences and hardships men experience are just as important to feminism as the issues women may encounter. In the age of Andrew Tate, it is essential that our concepts of society are flipped, and the prevailing patriarchy is questioned.
Due to miseducation and prejudice, feminism sometimes receives a bad reputation. These mistruths about feminism are incredibly harmful and do just as much damage to women as they do to men.
Reverse Discrimination?
Laura Bates believes ‘a narrative has emerged over the last decade in popular culture and politics, that portrays men and boys as in “crisis”, victimised by feminism and social justice movements.’ They have been left behind and are suffering reverse discrimination.
To give an example of this viewpoint, Jeremy Humphrys, a popular BBC Radio Four host, asked former Tory leader Lord William Hague if there was a ‘witch hunt’ surrounding allegations against men, and concluded that there may be a ‘danger’ that people may become afraid to ask someone out.
Women's Equality Party leader Sophie Walker rightly criticised Humphry’s stating; ‘John Humphrys: Do an interview on sex harassment without using the words “witch hunt” or “gone too far”. You are part of the problem.’ Humphrys had somehow managed to twist a conversation about the safety and protection of women into a conversation about male victimisation, which discredits and dampens the feminist voice. This feminist voice is trying to improve the situation of both men and women – criticising and ridiculing feminism does not help anybody and only upholds the current patriarchy which is damaging to both sexes.
A further example of this narrative can be exemplified by Andrew Tate. Tate, unfortunately, is well known across social media platforms and has become an idolised influencer and role model for many young men. Before being banned, he accumulated 4.6 million TikTok followers, with the hashtag Andrew Tate having 13.7 billion views. When he was unbanned from Twitter, Tate gained one million followers in 24 hours – these figures show the frighteningly high amount of support Tate, and in consequence toxic masculinity, has managed to amass.
Tate claims that men have become ‘too soft’, and advocates for toxic masculinity and the oppression of women. These views can be summarised by the quotes, ‘I think the woman belongs to the man’, and ‘If you’re my friend, you just can’t be a p**sy. "Well, I had a heart attack”, get the f**k up. F**k’s wrong with you. Go hospital later. Have a drink, cigarette, cup of coffee; get back in the game. F**king having heart attacks near me, you little p**sy.’
"With so much progress having been made prior to 2023, it seems impossible that such a harmful culture could survive."
Are these the viewpoints that should be supported?
It seems nonsensical that ideologies such as these have such widespread prominence and support. With so much progress having been made prior to 2023, it seems impossible that such a harmful culture could survive. Perhaps, it is because the extent to which men can benefit from feminism is not understood, as well as the magnitude of harm which is caused by toxic masculinity.
The Truth
Bates has highlighted how the current position of our patriarchy, while working in favour of white males, does oppress men too. She goes on to explain why feminism is so important, not just for women, but men too.
"According to the ONS, suicide was the biggest killer of men under 45."
Bates has described that because of stereotypes surrounding typical values of masculinity, including mental and physical strength, boys underreport violence and abuse. This can lead to escalations into dangerous situations for men which could have been averted simply by reporting abuse. In addition to this, close and emotionally open male friendships are often discouraged under current societal ideals of masculinity which have homophobic ties. This prevents young men from developing vital skills such as reciprocity, empathy and intimacy which are so important to healthy emotional regulation and the human experience. To continue pressures on young men to succeed financially, to be the breadwinner of the family, as well as the burden of having to behave and present themselves a certain way would all perpetuate their general suffering and discontent.
These experiences do not even begin to scratch the surface of the strains and standards placed on men in the modern day. These undeniably contribute to the high suicide rate in men, with Samaritans announcing in 2021 that men had the highest suicide rate throughout the UK, and according to the ONS, suicide was the biggest killer of men under 45. In Ireland, 78% of suicides were men, truly highlighting the extent of the issue at hand.
Bates rightly concludes that those who encourage and perpetuate this destructive, adverse, and disadvantageous narrative of toxic masculinity are those who benefit from the current status quo. Feminism is not attacking men, nor is it trying to stifle sons. Toxic masculinity helps no one, and is a huge detriment to men everywhere – the current patriarchy is doing huge damage to our young men, and change is absolutely necessary.
Dismantling the patriarchy, which currently caters to figures such as Humphry and Tate, is no easy task. But as Bate rightly asserts, feminism is highly beneficial in aiding young men. It is necessary and crucial to the improvement of the current quality of life that, at current, the patriarchy is imposing. The damage that the current system is doing to young men is certainly not irreparable. Change starts by questioning those who think they support toxic figures like Tate, by comforting young men during times of need, and by breaking down the impossible standards that have been built.