It goes without saying that feminism is on the rise. Many columns in this publication, as well as other publications, have given its readers many interpretations of feminism.
To some, feminism is a movement based on the social, economic and political advancement of women. Others define feminism as a movement geared towards equality that is not only limited to the advancement of women but also the “lowering” of male powers. Both views of feminism hold true to what the world, and our country in particular, needs more of. Either way, there may be some who are fed up with hearing about feminism and I understand; however, the antiquated patriarchy we are held to only sets us steps back.
With that being said, I believe there is a certain group who should take more heed to this movement: black men.
Too often, black women are typecast, abused and neglected in society. Our own culture objectifies the black woman. Placing a woman’s body on display for the sake of “Benjis” is not worth the pressures placed upon her to be “current.” Furthermore, these same women account for most cases of depression in the United States. The time has come to protect our “queens.” Fixing the flowers in our own backyard should be our first priority.
My writing is not to say that there aren’t any black male feminists. I am an example of such a person.
In 2011, Byron Hurt of the Root wrote about his self-identification as a feminist. In addition, Aaronette M. White’s “Ain’t I A Feminist?” explores the lives of twenty black males who identify as feminist.
By engaging black males in the conversation, we gain one more step in the fight for equality in our own backyard. The difficulty in making this movement more widespread lies within the connotation of the word “feminism” itself — more specifically as it relates to the word “feminine.”
When defining the word “feminine,” it is easy to use the words “girly,” “emotional” or “soft.” It is this sort of ignorance that pushes black men away from feminism.
Some may believe that by identifying as feminist, they take on feminine qualities. Lay down with dogs, you get fleas, right? Or nah.
The most important thing to remember about feminism is that it is a movement, not an attitude. It is close to impossible to lose your masculinity to feminism. The amount of pride associated with masculinity is archaic and needs to be placed aside for a much greater cause.
In a similar sense, black men narrow their scope of social justice when they reject feminism. This may seem paradoxical when examined closely.
The recent events in Ferguson show how black males are on the offense in terms of equality, which is at the exact same place feminists reside. The push for social and political equality is not reserved to one group. It takes the will of all groups looking to break the boundaries to work in conjunction.
Black men, get on it.
KP Maye is a sophomore education major from Pascagoula.
