Nathaniel, student feminist Pharrell Williams, having released an album inspired by the support he has received from women over his lifetime, recently said it was "not possible" for him to be a feminist (oh, it's possible for him to dress up as a Native American but not to take on the feminist badge). It's something that cis female feminists haven't agreed upon, can men be feminists? Or only pro-feminists or 'equalists'? While Pharrell feels he isn't qualified to identify a group of young men have taken a course in feminism at their high school. They have since been filmed by their teacher discussing what they have learned about feminism and whether or not they identify as feminists.
Can men be feminists? An English teacher in New York, Ileana Jimenez teaches students about activism and feminism, focusing on diversity in the movement. Ileana was interested in both male interaction with the feminist movement and women feminists reactions to men in feminism: "Thinks boys can't be feminists? The seven boys who have taken my high school feminism class in the last two years disagree. They even got together to make a video to share the ways in which feminism has made an impact on their lives as young men".
The video shows articulate young men give their reasons for taking a course in feminism and how feminism relates to their lives. One student, Nathaniel, has gone on to work with Gloria Steinem. The thing that stuck out for me, that shows exactly why feminism is not a cis woman only cause, is the student's take on intersectionality.
"At one point, we wrote an intersectionality essay, and that taught me that nothing is really one-dimensional. Like you can’t just be black. You can be black and gay; or like black, gay, disabled. There are many different things that don't relate to the master narrative".
The video shows articulate young men give their reasons for taking a course in feminism and how feminism relates to their lives. One student, Nathaniel, has gone on to work with Gloria Steinem. The thing that stuck out for me, that shows exactly why feminism is not a cis woman only cause, is the student's take on intersectionality.
"At one point, we wrote an intersectionality essay, and that taught me that nothing is really one-dimensional. Like you can’t just be black. You can be black and gay; or like black, gay, disabled. There are many different things that don't relate to the master narrative".
| What qualifies a feminist? Is it the Caitlin Moran definition of having a vagina you want to be in charge of? Or is it simply wanting everyone to be able to be in charge of their genitalia? | Listen to yourself. Not all white people, not all cis women, not all able-bodied... And now listen to other people. |
Why are cis-women feminists so fearful of men identifying as feminist? Well, to be honest it is a legitimate concern. Often rather than simply allowing women their frequently denied space men choose to butt in, to take over, to exclaim "Not all men!". This is because they have not been brought up to be considerate in this respect. To listen to lived experience.
But nor have we white cis women feminists. Listen to yourself. Not all white people, not all cis women, not all able-bodied... And now listen to other people.
The thing is, if we cis-women want in on this feminism thing, we have to recognise that we must show the way by being inclusive. Just as some Christians seem to disregard the life of Jesus - hanging out with sex workers, tax collectors, lepers, Jack of all sinnin' - and choose instead to separate themselves from those they deem undesirable by shunning them rather than welcoming them, we fail to justify our cause of equality by excluding those who would like to be a part of it.
Squeamish Kate
But nor have we white cis women feminists. Listen to yourself. Not all white people, not all cis women, not all able-bodied... And now listen to other people.
The thing is, if we cis-women want in on this feminism thing, we have to recognise that we must show the way by being inclusive. Just as some Christians seem to disregard the life of Jesus - hanging out with sex workers, tax collectors, lepers, Jack of all sinnin' - and choose instead to separate themselves from those they deem undesirable by shunning them rather than welcoming them, we fail to justify our cause of equality by excluding those who would like to be a part of it.
Squeamish Kate
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