I’m a cis male and I believe in the importance of feminism, but I hesitate to call myself a feminist because it seems like there is a presumption of understanding women’s experiences as if I was part of the Me Too movement. In some binary sense given how hateful and shitty men can be I’m absolutely a feminist, but I wouldn’t declare myself to be one. What is your standpoint?
I think modern feminism does more harm than good, since it is what makes separation visible in the first place. Since I view separation as the root of virtually every problem in human history, I would therefore consider myself a “humanist” who views all people—regardless of gender, skin color, origin, or other characteristics that could serve to create separation—as equal. We must overcome this division.
What’s divisive is having a society defined by gender-based hierarchy and discrimination. Pointing this out and trying to change it isn’t divisive, it’s an opportunity for solidarity.
I agree that gender-based discrimination exists, but the path to equality is not to demand quotas for women and thereby discriminate against other genders. Either there are equal quotas for all groups (gender, religion, skin color, etc.) or there are none at all.
This just upholds existing problems though by pretending they don’t exist. It’s the same exact argument against reparations and DEI, full equal treatment cannot exist without addressing the lingering impact of historic inequality.
You can address issues without putting yourself in a position that excludes others. Where will we end up if there are only “marginalized groups” trying to strengthen their position? In this example, the feminist movement is met with masculism (“Manosphere”), the rise of right-wing/fascist movements (Proud Boys), and so on. And on the women’s side, there are also movements against “woke” feminism (Tradwives, religious movements, etc.).
Giving advantage to one group automatically results in the disadvantage of another—or at least that is how it feels to the “disadvantaged” group. Let’s take the example of women’s quotas: all other marginalized groups—and men as well—are disadvantaged by this, because suddenly it is no longer their performance that counts, but only their gender. This is exactly what men are constantly accused of.
That’s why I stand by my position that discrimination cannot be defeated through exclusion and accusations. We need a unified perspective that grants everyone the same rights and responsibilities. Those who do not give love will never receive it.