The role of male students in feminism/women's studies.
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What exactly is the role of male students when it comes to feminism - especially on campus?
Truth be told - I do feel as though I am intruding and taking over what rightfully belongs to women - feminism and the fight for equal rights.
As somewhat of a campus political activist, I am the one telling every one else what problems are facing women.
As a double major, one of which is women's studies, I feel as though I am intruding even further - in a classroom setting in which women are supposed to explore and discuss their ideas and ideals, I am the one person in there who really has no place in there …
So now comes the question …what is the role of male students in feminism and women's studies classes?
Trust me - the majority of the males who are dedicated to feminism and learning more about the plight of women are genuine (or though there are a few who are in the program for a piece of ass - which they find out quick that it doesn't work that way), and we truly want to help out, but we also don't want to feel like assholes in dominating everything.
We're already privileged as is.
So, again, what are the role of male politicians, student political activists and students in feminism?
Truth be told - I do feel as though I am intruding and taking over what rightfully belongs to women - feminism and the fight for equal rights.
As somewhat of a campus political activist, I am the one telling every one else what problems are facing women.
As a double major, one of which is women's studies, I feel as though I am intruding even further - in a classroom setting in which women are supposed to explore and discuss their ideas and ideals, I am the one person in there who really has no place in there …
So now comes the question …what is the role of male students in feminism and women's studies classes?
Trust me - the majority of the males who are dedicated to feminism and learning more about the plight of women are genuine (or though there are a few who are in the program for a piece of ass - which they find out quick that it doesn't work that way), and we truly want to help out, but we also don't want to feel like assholes in dominating everything.
We're already privileged as is.
So, again, what are the role of male politicians, student political activists and students in feminism?
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Uh, no, it doesn't "belong" to anyone. Good public policy belongs to everyone, because it benefits all of society.
That's like saying "labor policy belongs to the unions".
Feminism isn't just about "the problems facing women" - it's about how we should go about constructing an equal and fair society.
If that really all a women's studies class is for? What a waste. You'd think there'd be some academic rigor involved if credit's going to be awarded.
Oh, and talk about reinforcing the illiberal, unprogressive idea that "to be myself i need to be around people who are just like me".
The fact that you're approaching this issue with a boatload of whiny guilt just demonstrates how unprivileged men truly are.
The whole idea of "male privilege" is true elsewhere in the world, but largely a myth in America when you actually look at the numbers and the social customs involved.
Articulating one's own vision of a fair and equal society and fighting for it.
If the issue revolves around coercive social arrangements, it DOES make sense to discuss and analyze it in a different social setting devoid of the coercion.
Numbers, like rape statistics and pay differentials, and social customs, like spousal abuse, hiring discrimination based on pregnancy (and even pregnancy likelihood!), and the tendency for men to ignore women when speaking or asking questions. I'm sure Marc, since he's taking these classes, can think of many more.
You also serve as an example to some of the more closed-minded students that not all men are evil misogynistic assholes.
Just make sure you don't dominate conversation in class; as a feminist activist you need to make sure women are getting equal speaking time (and equal consideration!) in organizational settings. Though perhaps the most productive thing you can do is be a feminist around your guy friends. Get them to stop using "like a girl" or "fag" as generic insults, at least when they're around you. Get some of your declared non-feminist guy friends to go to feminist events, etc.