Today is International Women's Day. As a female, I recognize the importance of this day. Many women throughout the world are still actively experiencing oppression, and it is important for their oppression to receive recognition so we may, hopefully, one day eliminate it. Today, however, I want to encourage everyone to re-examine the definition of sexism. Recently, I have noticed that there is a form of sexism and discrimination that is beginning to appear with more frequency within Western society. Today, I want to examine the concept of MISANDRY.
In Western society, there is a double standard related to sexism. Many seem to believe that it is unidirectional, meaning that sexism is defined as discrimination against women due to gender. In reality, however, sexism is multi-directional. Just as women are often discriminated due to their gender, men are sometimes discriminated against simply for being men. There is an actual word used to define this concept: MISANDRY.
Misandry is the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against men. Although many will argue that misandry does not exist, there is indeed very real proof within Western society that misandry is more prevalent than one may otherwise think. In fact, there are numerous examples of both institutional misandry and casual misandry.
1. Men are significantly more likely to be convicted for committing the same crime as women, and more likely to receive a longer sentence.
90% of our prison population is comprised of male inmates, and women are twice as likely as men to avoid incarceration. In truth, men do commit crimes with more frequency than women, but the phenomenon known as "The Sentencing Gap" provides irrefutable proof that there is disparagement when it comes to both conviction rates and sentencing. Studies of sentencing have shown that men receive, on average, 63% longer sentences than women for committing the same crime. If this fact does not prove an institutional bias against men, I am not certain what does.
https://goodmenproject.com/ethics-values/sentencing-gap-men-likely-go-prison-mrzs/
2. Social services are more difficult for men to access than for women.
I spent 13 years overseeing multiple substance abuse treatment programs across several states. Through my work, I became acutely aware that men have limited accessibility to social services. It was always easy for me and my colleagues to find resources for women. There are numerous shelters and programs aimed at servicing women and children. There are virtually none that provide the same services for men. In the few instances were men can access services, there are typically long waiting lists or stringent requirements which much first be met. I could normally find an indigent woman resources within one day. I struggled to find these resources for indigent men at all. Access to healthcare was no different. While numerous women received healthcare services paid for by Medicaid, within the region in which I operated, men in similar circumstances were not eligible for these services.
3. Homelessness affects disproportionately more men than women.
I believe this is tied, in some part, to the fact that social services are not as accessible to men as they are to women. Estimates show that as much as 76% o the homeless population is comprised of single men.
4. Women have more legal rights in the United States than men do.
Although it may be surprising for many of us to learn, American women actually have more legal rights than men. As an example, women can vote without having to sign a Selective Service card. If a man does not agree to serve in a mandated military draft at age 18, he loses his right to cast a ballot. Women also have the right to choose parenthood, whereas men do not. I am certain that my prior statement will anger many self-proclaimed feminists, but the truth is that if a woman does not want to afford the expense of raising a child, she has the legal right to terminate a pregnancy. A man who does not wish to afford to raise a child will be forced to pay child support if he is taken to court, and will be incarcerated if he does not comply.
5. Casual misandry is deeply ingrained within American society.
Statements and thoughts such as, "Men are not able to multi-task as well as women," or "Women naturally are better at raising a child" are examples of how men are stereotyped on a regular basis. While these generalizations may hold true in many cases, they are certainly not universal truths. If a man makes the statement, "Women are better at cooking and cleaning," a majority of people react with disapproval and accuse him of being a sexist. Why then, is it alright to make the prior generalizations about men?
While I am certain I will receive heat from many self-proclaimed feminists for daring to write this article on International Women's Day, I would ask for anyone offended to do some self-examination before laying the topic to rest. Today, I used the term, "Man Up!" in an opinion I shared on G@G. I very quickly received a response back accusing me of using a sexist term. I asked a question in response: "Would you be offended if I told a man to 'Put on his big girl pants?'" The response I received was an affirmative, "No."
Women, we can't have it both ways. If we are going to acknowledge and become offended by sexism against women, we must also acknowledge and become offended by sexism against men. Just like any other "ism" sexism is multi-directional. We are offended when someone makes an ignorant statement such as, "Black people can't be racists" because racism is also multi-directional and can be directed against anyone with any racial background. Regardless of the recipient, racism is universally acknowledged as wrong. It is time for us to do the same with sexism and recognize that it does not always, but certainly can affect both sexes, and it is wrong no matter which group is on the receiving end of the equation.
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