It must be said - It’s pretty narcissistic of dudes to respond defensively when I mention the patriarchy. Patriarchy is a POWER SYSTEM, and it’s been around a hell of a lot longer than any of you. Rest assured that I KNOW you didn’t personally construct the damn thing.
“Patriarchy doesn’t exist!” Except women in the US have voted for less than a century. Only recently won the rights to do things like own property and keep their jobs after becoming pregnant.
Doesn’t exist. Try harder.
Doesn’t exist. Try harder.
One of the reasons I say “patriarchy” instead of just “men” is that I recognize individual involvement in it varies a whole lot. All men benefit from it, but how they contribute to it varies quite a bit. I name the system because it’s patriarchy, not men, that I object to.
And I say “patriarchy” rather than just “men” because I recognize that it’s not only men who participate in upholding these traditions and perspectives. But it’s men who benefit from it, even if it also constrains them in some ways.
I honestly don’t understand why men’s rights advocates follow me. And when you say things to me that essentially translate to “you’re not like other girls”... You’re wrong. I’m exactly like other girls. And, if you met me, you’d like me less than you like most girls. Promise.
Read my damn bio if you haven’t. I oppose the gender movement, and maybe you do, too, and that’s why you follow. But we probably oppose it for completely different reasons. I oppose it because I’m a feminist, a lesbian, & a fan of personal freedoms (like speech & assembly).
I don’t hate men, because men are people, & people are fucking fascinating. But I do hate oppression, violence, & gender rules. If you can’t see the difference between me hating patriarchy & hating men themselves, you don’t want to follow me, because I’m bored of explaining this.
You can’t practice medicine without naming illness and injury, and you can’t be a feminist without talking about the patriarchy. I’m here as a feminist. I’m here as a woman. These issues impact me and mine, and I will name them.
