I have often heard people, particularly men, make derogatory comments about women drivers and engage in misogynistic behavior. It is disheartening to witness such attitudes and remarks. Recently, even my own father made a comment about how women drivers cause problems on the road. When I later discussed this with my cousin sister, I tried to explain that even though I am not supporting anyone who make problems in roads, it is important to approach this topic without perpetuating stereotypes or generalizations about woman as drivers. There are various systemic factors like lack of experience, societal expectations and gender roles, discrimination and bias, lack of confidence and self perception. However, she did not fully agree with my perspective, which left me feeling puzzled and disappointed.
Furthermore, in one of our WhatsApp groups, a friend brought up the idea of reverse gender oppression, suggesting that men also face oppression. I couldn’t help but recognize that these arguments might be coming from a place of privilege and an inability to grasp the subtleties of gender oppression. Perhaps they have been fortunate enough to not witness or experience the real oppression that women face. It seems like they are trying to equate the suffering of women with that of men, without fully understanding the dynamics of patriarchy and gender oppression.
When coming to patriarchy and gender oppression, there is only one truth I believe in ; that’s what Simon De Beauvoir told in 1949, “Humanity is male and man defines woman not in herself, but as relative to him, she is not regarded as an autonomous being. He is the subject, he is the absolute, she is the other.”
In contemporary society, many individuals claim to be egalitarian and humanist, yet they often downplay the significance of feminism or fabricate misconceptions about it, suggesting that feminism is inferior. However, this is not the case. Feminism indirectly seeks to establish an egalitarian society by challenging and dismantling the existing structures of power and inequality. Tokenism should not be used to dismiss the ongoing struggles faced by women when highlighting empowering examples such as Jacinda Ardern, Murmu, and Sudha Murthy.
Acknowledging that men also face difficulties and hardships is crucial, and I agree with that sentiment. However, one of the common arguments against feminism is that it promotes reverse sexism or is “sexist towards men.” It is important to address these arguments, as they often stem from a lack of understanding about how oppression operates and a belief that feminism is about hating men. Let me clarify that reverse sexism does not and cannot exist.
To understand this, we must delve into the concept of systemic oppression. Systemic oppression refers to the normalized and long-standing unjust treatment of specific groups based on gender, sex, race, class, caste, ability, and sexual orientation. It is a systematic and institutionalized form of discrimination perpetuated by societal norms, practices, and laws that lead to inequality among social groups.
It is vital to recognize that oppression flows in one direction, from the oppressor to the oppressed. Women, as the subordinate group, do not hold a socially higher position than men, making it impossible for women to oppress men. As long as men remain the dominant group, they cannot be victims of sexism.
While it is true that both men and women can hold stereotypes and prejudices against each other, it is crucial to distinguish between individual biases and systemic oppression. Women’s assumptions or prejudices about men do not grant them a higher social position nor are they based on years of historical oppression.
This does not imply that prejudice or discrimination against men is morally justified or acceptable. It is important to recognize that the concept of sexism is rooted in a diverse social arrangement that privileges men over women, granting them automatic access to intellectual, material, and spiritual resources. Women, on the other hand, often have to fight for these basic resources. Parity is the goal, where individuals are afforded equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their gender. But for achieving it, Feminism is the path.
In the quest for gender equality, it is crucial to understand the intricacies of gender oppression and confront the existence of systemic and institutionalized discrimination. The fight for women’s equality is not about reversing power dynamics or fostering animosity towards men; rather, it is a collective effort to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.
While it is true that some individuals may misuse special reservations or play the victim card, it is essential to distinguish these actions from the core principles of feminism. Feminism aims to challenge misconceptions, highlight the pervasive nature of gender oppression, and work towards creating an egalitarian society.