Written by: Jon-Paul Wakefield
Currently we live in a patriarchal society, where most men don’t think they’re ever wrong. And that’s the problem. Unfortunately, for the rest of society, the majority of these men fail to recognise how everyday they feed into the oppression of women. They fail to recognise how the ‘jokes’ they make when they’re in work affect women, not just on a personal level, but that the same attitude they show, is displayed in many other men around the country, and furthermore, the world.
As a man myself, having witnessed these ‘jokes’ being thrown around throughout education, the workplace and several other daily aspects of life, it’s no surprise that 58% of women feel uncomfortable using public transport alone. It doesn’t take long, when in a group of stereotypical ‘lads’, for someone to crack a ‘joke’, that isn’t actually funny. These jokes are the exact reason why women, still to this day and after so many feminist movements, are being oppressed.
As easy as it is to criticise men for their attitudes, it may not always be apparent to them how much what they say can affect someone. It’s important to highlight these comments when possible, in order to shut down the ‘jokes’ as quickly as we can.
It must be highlighted that correcting these comments within a group of men can be frightening, especially as a teenager, if the group of boys you are with have that very same attitude. However, it’s the right thing to do. Usually – alongside insults that will more than likely will be given to the person that corrects them – comes a disgusted and stunned peer group. Correcting them may come as a surprise and leave them speechless, but it will also make them realise they’re wrong.
As intimidating as it can be to be in that situation where you know what someone is saying is wrong, correcting them on what they say is the right thing to do. It may not have a significant effect on a wider society, however changing men’s attitudes one by one is the best way to tackle this huge problem.
If these jokes are to be recognised, attitudes are to change and men are to be less obnoxious and self-absorbed, we have more of a chance to be working towards an equal society, where 41% of women won’t feel uncomfortable at work.
The workplace is an aspect that has been focused on and highlighted by feminists across the country over the past 100 years. Some acts to change the attitudes in the workplace include The Equal Pay act of 1963, Pregnancy discrimination act of 1978 and The Whistleblower Protection Act plus many more. All these campaigns by all the hard working, passionate feminists, haven’t happened just to be partially ignored by men who feel like it’s funny to make comments about gender and jokes about the stereotypes around it.
Unfortunately, due to multiple stereotypes and different circumstances, the management jobs and the workplace in general is dominated by men. This is the main reason as to why the figure of 41% is so high. In addition, the employment rate for men was higher than women by 9.3% in 2023, proving the reason as to why this figure is so high.
For an unknown reason, being a male-feminist is something that is not often seen throughout society, and is often looked down upon by other men. However, having these male role models that are publicly open about their feminist views, is a very good thing and should be displayed more often. Having these role models will give a platform for many young men to build upon. Also helping to spread this message amongst many other young men in the same peer groups and class orientations can help change the mindsets of future generations.
Men are the problem in the patriarchal and sexist society that we live in. They’re the reason it started, but they can also be the reason it ends and changing mindsets one by one is somewhere to start.
