MALE FEMINISTS?

by Annie
Feminism is a movement and a body of ideas developed by, for, and about women. Yes, men have become more aware of the importance of hearing women’s voices; they have started defended women’s rights a little more, but can men be feminists? There are too many differences between the sexes, and although men’s understanding of the feminist movement is necessary for improving the feminist causes, they are not women and so men will never be able to relate to women.

I am not saying that men can’t support the feminist movement as pro-feminists, I am just saying that men can’t be called feminist or identify themselves as feminists because they have never been women and will never experience the world as women do. The word "feminism" is reserved for women!

In my opinion, when men try to call themselves feminist they are just trying to take over a movement for women, as if they don’t already control most of the world, right?

"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman"

by Annie
I am aware and I wanted you to be aware that men/women view things differently. For example, boys commonly take the penis as an embodiment of their “excellence”, while girls, who do not have the possibility of alienating themselves into one single part of their body, tend to turn their whole body into an object. This is where it all starts. Because we see ourselves as objects, we make it okay for guys to see us as objects, more commonly sexual objects.

When this type of “objectified relationship” is established it usually turns into one of the following: "lovers without commitment" or "friends with benefits." For me casual relationships are unrealistic. I believe strong emotions will inevitably come into play. Perhaps it is because I am a romantic; I guess it is my weakness. Anyway, relationships that start off as friends with benefits usually end because of a one-sided romantic attachment.

Like I said before I am a romantic. I still believe in the idea of growing old with someone and being faithful to that person. For me love can stand alone, it is a combination of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Being someone’s "friend with benefits" is easy for a person who has been in a steady relationship followed by a recent "breakup". They may claim that this kind of “commitment” (if we can call it that) may lead to a strengthened bond or a more stable relationship if and when they are ready to commit fully, although it is more probable that the relationship will in fact be ruined, right?

Sometimes the cost of being in a relationship outweighs the rewards! Be careful!