(04/23/02 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Throughout April, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center participates in Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We hand out teal ribbons to wear in support of survivors of sexual violence, and we display T-shirts made by survivors and those close to them through the Clothesline Project. These activities, we hope, help to empower survivors of sexual violence to speak out and to seek assistance in ways that help with their healing journey.
(10/02/00 4:00am)
Last weekend, I was honored to be a presenter at the first Feminist Action Forum at UNC-Chapel Hill. I facilitated a discussion on "Men in Feminism." This experience, coupled with the misquote that was attributed to me in last Monday's DTH, made me realize how very timely and important this topic actually is. The misquote in question began, "Men are oppressed and repressed by sexism." Conversations that ensued with friends and with the editorial staff at the DTH led to the writing of this article. So what's the fuss? What's wrong with that quote? The best way to begin is with a basic definition: Oppression equals prejudice plus power. Both components (prejudice and power) must be there. The expression of prejudice, or favoritism, is not enough in and of itself to warrant the label "oppression." The same can be said of displays of power. When the two come together it is most often expressed through identities or groups. For example, sexism is an oppressive system that is based on sex. Racism is an oppressive system based on race, heterosexism an oppressive system based on sexuality and so on and so forth. Looking at sexism we see that men are privileged over women. As evidence, we can look at the wage gap (which still exists), the disproportionate number of survivors of sexual assault who are women (although men are survivors as well) and the rampant objectification and sexualization of women that symbolically diminishes them from human beings into mere body parts or bodies that exist for the male gaze (look at the sexualization of female athletes). Those things labeled "masculine" are favored over those things labeled "feminine." During training at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, where I coordinate the Community Education program, we generate lists of the notions of masculinity (strength, physicality, rational, etc.) and of femininity (weak, passive, irrational, etc.). The basic message is masculine equals power; feminine equals powerless. Thus, we see that men cannot be oppressed through sexism. Now, men can be oppressed through their identity in other targeted groups - men of color and gay men, for example. However, this is not oppression due to their status solely as men. As men, they are privileged at every turn. An important point here is that this male privilege is not earned - it simply is given at birth. Why don't men really know the constant fear of being sexually assaulted? Is it because men have earned the right not to know it in some way? No. It is because we are men in a male-privileged society. I believe that men are hurt by sexism. Men are told that we must always be strong, that we cannot cry or express our emotions. We are encouraged to be the providers, but not the nurturers, in our families. We are chastised if we break gendered norms and expectations (look at heterosexism and gay-bashing). I believe that these things, and others, can be very painful for men. However, they are examples of repression, not oppression. Our status as men is still ultimately a privilege - and a big one at that. I point out the repression of men to show that feminism, which strives to liberate all of us from the limitations of sexist role patterns, is a real benefit to men. This is in addition to the benefit to all people that feminism brings in breaking down a system of oppression. Yes, that means that men will have to give up that unearned privilege. Yet there is so much to be gained in doing so. So you're a man and want to be a part of feminism. What do you do? First, we have to educate ourselves. Privilege causes blindness to itself. If you are benefiting from a system of oppression, you have no reason to have seen it - it doesn't hold you back. So really look at yourself. Try to think about your privilege and realize that as a beneficiary of it you will never fully understand it. Realize that because of that, you are sexist - not that you are overtly taking steps to hold women back, although you may be doing just that. You benefit from the oppression of women whether you know it or not. Believe that because of that you carry an ethical responsibility to act to stop that oppression. Don't feel guilty. Instead, use the incredible power that you have as a privileged man to make change. Be an ally to women. In an intentional and consistent manner, challenge sexism. Don't remain silent when you hear sexist comments or jokes. Talk to other men about male privilege. Speak out against homophobia (fear of being labeled "gay" - accurately or otherwise - is one reason many men do not speak out against sexism). Don't fund sexism. Don't buy magazines or videos that objectify women. Support women's issues, rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters. Support other men who do these things. Take women's studies classes, but don't be the loudest voice there. Listen. Act. Lead by example, and know that although you will not always see the fruits of your labor, you are making a difference. And you are not alone. Matt Ezzell is coordinator of Community Education at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and a 1999 UNC women's studies graduate. Reach him at ocrcceducation@mindspring.com.