22/06/2021 13:19
#45
By Tony Porter from United States
1. Why is Feminism relevant to men?
Gender inequality is holding our society back. Gender equality will advance it. There is an incredible amount of data that correlates gender equality with a stronger economy and significantly improved health and well-being of society.
2. How does Feminism benefit men?
At A Call to Men, we are working to create a world where all men and boys are loving and respectful and all women, girls, and those at the margins of the margins are valued and safe. We coined the term the Man Box to illustrate how men are collectively socialized. The teachings of the Man Box tell men what they are supposed to believe and how they are supposed to act. In the Man Box, men are supposed to be powerful and dominating, fearless and in control, strong and emotionless, and successful. And women are objects, the property of men, and have less value than men. The teachings of the Man Box allow gender-based violence and discrimination - inequality and inequity in our society - to persist. Breaking out of the Man Box is key to achieving an equitable society. Only then will we experience collective liberation.
3. Have you always embraced Feminism? If not, what changed your mind?
I was doing anti-racism work when some very wise women approached me about also considering how I could be anti-sexist. They set me on this path and helped me understand the intersections of oppression. To this day, A Call to Men does this work with an intersectional approach. When we center our attention and efforts on those “at the margins of the margins” who are experiencing multiple forms of oppression, all will benefit. This philosophy holds true for any anti-oppression work, whether it be sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism, or ageism.
