Throughout the existence of human beings, there have always been two sexes or species, male and female. These two sexes have unique characteristics that set each other apart. Now, both sexes have always been scrutinized and questioned on their competence. Women, in particular, have been thought of as inferior for ages and have been persecuted because of their gender. One of the major contributing factors to this idea is Religion.
Religion has been in existence for ages and has had an influence (major or minor) on the shaping of today's society*(see bottom). For example, Christianity has been in existence for thousands of years and has been a contributor in the ideals of today and of old. One philosophy in particular is very interesting.
The story of Adam and Eve is in the Old Testament in the Bible right? If I remember this correctly, God made Adam and then God made Eve from parts of Adam right? And then Eve starts talking to this snake (the Devil) and the snake tricks Eve to eating an apple from "the Forbidden Tree" or something like that right? So then, Adam and Eve get kicked out because Eve ate an apple and thus never gaining entrance back into the Garden of Eden (Adam and Eve's home). Are the basics of the story right? Anyways, this parable plainly tells its readers that it's the woman's fault why people are 'unclean' and 'sinners'. This story also blatantly tells its readers that the demise of the human race is the fault of women***(see bottom).
Another prime example of religion playing a part in the degradation of women is in Islam. Islam is a faith of peace and sanctity and preaches spiritual divinity to its followers. Yet, when it comes to women, the conservative sect of the religion has strict protocol on what they can do, what they can wear and so on. They also teach the inferiority of women to men. So, for Islam being one of the fastest growing religions in the world, it seems rather interesting that this message will be taught to women in order to keep control over them. So, when women listen to these messages being taught globally, it only seems depressing that they will never be looked at as an equal.
This is why Feminism has been one the greatest achievements of all time. Feminism has questioned tradition and values and has been at the forefront of a new type of life-style; a life-style in which women will be looked at as peers. Though this life-style has not reached its maximum potential, it has brought drastic changes within society as well as its values. For example, women can vote now. Women are now CEO's of conglomerate corporations. Women can serve in the military. So, with Feminism came women dramatically moving up in the society structure.
Yet, this very ideal of social equality has back-fired. For example, gay men are not as accepted as lesbians. Why is this? What is the difference between a man having sexual relations with another man and a woman having sexual relations with another woman?? It may not be because of Feminism but Feminism has had a role (major and/or minor) in the shameful outlook on men now. Can you believe it?! Men being persecuted? The very though of it seems comical and irrational but, sadly, it is not.
As I stated before, Religion has put women down and has also raised men on a pedestal of power and knowledge. So the thought of men being discriminated cannot be feasible if men are supposed to be powerful and strong. But, as society compensated with Feminism and the acceptance of women, so too came the over-compensation in men. Believe it or not, men are now being looked upon as inferior**** (see bottom). For example, statistics show that men are 5 times as likely to be given a traffic citation as compared to women. Why is this?? Shouldn’t men and women be equal?? Shouldn't they be able to share the exact same punishment if the do the exact same crime?? Another example is that female teachers who are accused of having sex with their students are only charged with Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor. Yet, men who commit the exact same crime are charged with Rape. Why is this?? Again, the point of the Feminist movement was for social equality yet, the tide has turned. -Now, I know the statistics of men raping women are far greater than women raping men but the fact is that there is no equality; no sense of impartiality-
It is now men who are being persecuted. It's like a paradox or better yet; a double standard. Society has sought reconciliation for its foul view on women through the implementation of Feminist ideals into modern society. This is great and very productive towards unity between men and women. Yet, it bothers me that modern society has decided to replace the abuse of women for the abuse of men. In order for there to be harmony among the masses, one must make sure that no one is being oppressed for whatever reason. We, as a society, might have thought that discrimination was a thing of the past but if one looks at it seriously, it has never left.
Notes:
* Now, whether or not you believe in Religion has no significance to what I'm trying to point out. All I'm trying to do is show a unique example of the fallacies of society.
*** This is my "interpretation" of the parable from a social-equality point of view.
**** I know this notion of men being "inferior" is amusing and somewhat humorous but it is a sad truth. I'm not saying that the though of women being inferior has ceased, but "two wrongs don't make a right". One should not make another a candidate of inferiority on the basis of "they did it to women for countless years". There is validity in that thought-process but it still should not be one to use in persecuting a person of the opposite sex.
Epilogue:
For the record, I am an avid supporter of the Feminist movement so this writing, by no means, implicates that Feminism is a bad thing. All it shows is that with society, the ideals of the Feminist movement have also evolved (some for the better and some for the worse) and that this evolution in ideologies must be looked at thoroughly. I know this writing is extremely controversial and I know that I might be "walking on eggshells" but all I'm trying to convey to the reader is that society has done horrible things to beings of the opposite gender. But, in order to rid society of that problem, it is not wise for the oppressed to use the same treatment on the once-oppressors for retribution. I'd also like to add that these are my opinions and they, by no means, mean that I am either right nor wrong. But, as I have said before, all I am trying to do is show the ironies in certain philosophies.
It's kinda ironic that paganism (or i'll say simply, the original "religion" of mankind found in all of the cultures of the world at/near the beginning of time. You know, before Christianity), the one religion that has been about EQUILIBRIUM between the male and female species (thus distinguishing them but not at all the same as current sexism/gender roles), allowed women to pursure knowledge, hunt beside men, fight beside men, ETC. AND not to disdain or ridicule their roles as wife, mother and/or daughter.(women were seen as the givers/destroyers of life and were worshiped basically,which, strangely is much different from the not-so-new patriarchal attitude of women as seen through countless menstraul and pregnancy jokes). It seems like it is for THIS reason that it is underfire by Christians. Because it allows individual freedom for both men AND women AND exalts the role of woman from mere property to divine status. I don't know why I put this here; you're talking about feminism; I added religion. So I might be going off on tangents. But I thought that was important to say. I probably confused the lot of you now;).
I fear no man(Nazgul)...i'm no man(Eowyn) -LoTR
I do think men can be harmed by rigid gender ideologies, and since the feminist movement is working to undo these, it benefits men as well.
As for the different reactions to gay men and lesbians, I have no idea what causes it. Lesbians deal with their own set of problems (for example, men thinking lesbianism is a temporary state, that they are privy to the details of our sex lives), but this obviously doesn't compare to the unfiltered hatred and physical violence that is more often directed at gay men.
in my opinion queer men are not as socially acceptable as lesbians becuase lesbians are sexually desirable to men. it's hot to see to girls hooking up and gross to see two men hooking up (atleast in the media. look at lesbainism in porn directed at heterosexual meales.) and men receiving more traffic citation? want to know why i get out of tickets, because in the eyes of male cops i am a sexual being, not a person and it is easy to seduce them. that is obviously sexist. and degrading of females not an example of feminist overcompensation. and finally although i feel that males can and are raped, rape of females is more prevailent in our soceity (as you correctly state) the difference is a woman can not force a man to sleep with her. (maybe i am wrong but it is my understanding of male physiology that an errection requires arousal) and while i know for a fact that many boys are sexually abused it am not sure how a women could forceable penetrate a man. it is wrong for anyone in a postion of power to engage in sexual activity with someone they have power over, there is no way of obtaining unbaised consent but post suggests than the feminist struggle is over and in fact overcompensation. Well, as a women and a feminist i can assure you that women have not yet reached equal status in our society.
Being able to get out of tickets is an advantage. Appreciate it.
you sure do like to hear yourself talk. maybe you should try actually considering what other people are trying to say before you make some snide comment about it. you might actually learn something.
I know what you're trying to say: women are OPPRESSED! ZOMG!
Whine, whine, whine. But keep it up. No whining, no progress.
I would argue that some religions have elevated women more than others like Christianity (you have to supply more context for the role of women in Christianity than merely Genesis).
Furthermore, I think economy, especially agrarian communities have contributed to the structure of patriarchy much more than religion has.
Feminism is bad. I don't know about you, but I'd rather stay home and take care of my children than going through this whole independent woman path.
Also, what is wrong with listening and obeying your husband?
perhaps that women are capable of making their own decisions and having sucessful lives outside of the realm of childbearing/rearing. i am not sure of your gender but either
a.) you are a woman who has not considered the effects of patrarchy on your live. i am certainly not denying that raising children is an important role. (i was raised by a stay at home mom who is also a feminist.) but you seem to imply that it is easy or luxurious. perhaps you have never takne care of children, just from my experiance babysitting i can tell you it is thankless tireing would that is not at all relaxing, glamourous or respect.
or b.) you are a male who has some strange and convaluted ideas what what it is to be a homemaker. perhaps you should try career shadowing someone who is the stay at home mom of several young children and see what a "privalege" it is. but i fear that it is likely you are not really interested in changeing your opinion because do not seem interested in disscussion as your comments portray you pretty set in your ways.
I'm female, actually. Thanks for the tips, but I actually grew up with enough kids running around in my house, so yeah, I know what I'm in for. :)
I think it's perfectly valid to want to become a homemaker, regardless of your gender. I take issue with the "obeying your husband" part -- I believe relationships should be based on mutuality and open communication, not some antiquated gender heirarchy.
Correction: Islam does NOT teach the inferiority of women. As far as what we are supposed to wear, well, would you rather us walk around in skanky clothes and degrade ourselves by being called everything from a ho to a slutty prostitute who can't make our own decisions? People kill me when they use religion to make "oppressed women" accusations.
Imperial1
where you're coming from but I think the idea is that women should feel free to express their own sensuality and sexuality(or just to be who THEY want); IF they want. I'd say that's not for me either, even though I am not religious. Obviously, it's not for you, either.
The point is that too often women are told to work towards the same goals; to try to be like a supermodel, or to be a homemaker, or to fulfill all of these traditional media-influenced roles.
There seems to be the idea in our society that a woman can be either a victim, a wife, or a whore. No less, no more. I am of the type to break away from that stereotype and I do think that sensuality can be good for women. IF used correctly. Of course, nowadays, it isn't(though in the past it used to be before patriarchal socieities supressed it).
Today, It is used as a weapon against women to give them a fasle sense of self; to make them think they're being "strong", "dominant", etc.
I think that feminism shouldn't be another groupthink tool but another way to get people to think for themselves and to realize that they CAN be different although they're fasely grouped as being (or suppose to being) the SAME.
I fear no man(Nazgul)...i'm no man(Eowyn) -LoTR
I (although I AM male) am a diehard femenist.
I don't think housewives should relinquish their roles as caretakers and nurturers, but I do believe women as equal members of society should choose what they want to do.
I think to a cetain degree, you're right. Men nowadays are bombarded with false assumptions and accusations of sexism and machismo that really aren't always there.
It's a stigma that will pass only if we continue to focus on equality instead of victimization.
Now, about gay men. The reason people feel most uncomfortable with game is mainly for two reasons: 1) "Real" men should not show their feelings. When a gay man shows his feelings to another man it breaches that universal. Women, on the other hand are considered to be more in tune with their feelings so it's a-okay. 2) Gay sex grosses people out. I know it's something tough to realize, but gay love is something that the mainstream has trouble with. They should get over it and move on, but this is something that's going to take years to fix...
-Frank
Personally, I'm not the feminist type, nor am i the person who think low of female. I simply believe equality between men and women. Objectively speaking, i think feminist movement is a great idea back in the days, because women were indeed mistreated. However, now women are gradually gaining power, there comes to an issue where female might dominate male. I guess the issues between men and women will never end, since the equalibrium between the two will never last long... I guess what i'm trying to say is Feminism is good when female is clearly degraded by male, bad when the fear of female dominance starts to appear.
Good entry, it got me thinking =]