Let’s Hear it From the Boys

Questions have arisen regarding the roles men should play in eliminating women’s oppression. Patriarchy is not solely a female problem. Patriarchy negatively affects both men and women in society. As a system of domination, patriarchy limits human potential-advancement based on the subjugation of others is not progression at all; it’s simply a process that allows certain inequities to be addressed while ignoring others. With that said, men have a duty to address patriarchy in their personal lives and communities.

In the social movement, I have observed male activists struggling to remain true to their progressive ideals of egalitarianism. I would like to say this: just because you identify as an anarchist or communist, doesn’t automatically make you a feminist. This distinction should be made because I have encountered men who have identified as anarchists or communists, and ignorantly assume that their radical ideology makes them a feminist. These “feminists” preach equality while blatantly ignoring their own chauvinism.

For strategic purposes, the following paragraphs primarily address male anarchists. Anarchist philosophy stresses the importance of dismantling hierarchy and establishing egalitarian communities based on mutual aid. Patriarchy is a systemic problem, therefore it is essential to rebuild society (ground--up) based on these anarchist principles. Anarchist men, in particular, have a duty to combat sexism and eliminate patriarchal practices. Although not all-inclusive, I have outlined an action plan that will help anarchist men and women create new, healthy social interactions. This action plan requires men to engage in three fundamental practices: acknowledgement, responsibility, and dialogue/action.

Men must acknowledge that patriarchy and sexism exist in all facets of social life. There is a tendency to believe that patriarchal practices have been eradicated within the movement—a grievous and false assertion. Secondly, men must take responsibly for their sexist beliefs and behaviors. Taking responsibility is an admission that a wrongdoing has been committed.

Dialogue/action is paramount to the elimination of patriarchal practices within the movement and within broader society. I do not consider dialogue and action mutually exclusive practices. Dialogue develops the framework; action implements it. There must be open, continuous dialogue between men and women for effective change to occur. It is not enough to simply acknowledge that a problem exists. Men must actively engage in discourse with women by acknowledging, taking responsibility, and correcting current injustices and preventing future ones. Men must create an atmosphere that allows for the safe expression of grievances. Men must step back and listen without judgment, allowing women to dictate the terms of their liberation.

In order for anarchists to reach the ideals they strive for, they must break down oppressive paradigms within their communities. The process of building a society based on egalitarianism and mutual aid must start now. Patriarchy affects all people, and men and women must actively work together to eradicate it.