Misandry is as socially dangerous as misogyny

Modern feminism has done a great job addressing the discrepancies in societal structure and the discrimination that has kept women subject to patriarchal ideologies for centuries, but no one has addressed the backlash it has generated against men.

Misandry, defined as the hatred of men, is the counterpart to the more well-known term misogyny, though both have proven to be equally damaging. Yet, while misogyny is generally condemned, misandry is much less admonished, despite both behaviors impeding the goal of equality. 

Like misogyny, misandry can manifest in several forms, including acts of denigration, vilification, discrimination, gender violence and sexual reification. 

It’s one thing to generalize and hate men after a bad breakup, an event that entitles one to briefly exaggerate in order to cope with the feeling of indignation. It’s another thing entirely to hate men for being men, feeling contempt toward them and disregarding their opinions simply because they are not women.

Some women believe that condemning all men for the acts committed by a few is their right; however, they are not conscious of the fact that they are imitating the very behavior of men discriminating against women. 

It appears that some feminists don’t intend to negotiate with egalitarian ideologies, and would rather institutionally displace men and presume women as supreme. 

A large part of the feminist rhetoric used today has gone beyond the limits that differentiate criticism in regards to sexist beliefs. It has come to criticize men themselves by focusing on individual behaviors, such as the way men speak, the way men interact socially, and even the way men sit in public spaces.

Certain characteristics of masculinity are often arbitrarily seen as absolute defects, and men are condemned for such traits, along with any woman who dares to object to the idea that masculinity is detrimental to society. 

If such accusations were made toward women, the accuser would be seen as a misogynist, without hesitation. 

Still, while misogyny is seen as a problem in today’s society, misandry is a term few are familiar with, despite the conflicting nature of both behaviors. By supporting ideas that are prejudiced against men, women seeking equality will suffer since men will think feminism is hateful and vindictive against them. 

The antagonism between sexes does not contribute to the promoting of social equality. Obsessing over the misconduct of individuals from either sex diverts the attention that should be focused on bigger issues, such as implementing institutional changes that create equitability toward women’s needs, or accommodations for men raising a family as a single parent. 

Since the publishing of the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848, in which women listed their complaints in regards to misrepresentation, feminism has challenged the ideology of masculinity and patriarchy alike. These complaints however, were directed toward institutions and governments, not individuals. 

The evolution of these feminist complaints occurred in the ‘70s, with the ascent of radical feminism promoting the idea that “the personal is political.” During this time, it seems that many feminists portrayed men as barbaric soldiers defending the patriarchal structure of society, yet few understood, or even considered, that the patriarchal ideologies after which society was structured harmed countless men as well.

Patriarchy upholds a standard regarded as absolute when it comes to appearances and behavior and when men do not resemble that standard, they are judged discriminately, often condemned by both sexes under the pretense that they need to “man-up.” 

A man who disregards the societal criteria of masculinity or fails to assimilate to the alpha role exposes himself to the rejection of men and women alike. 

Not all men are evil, and while men are not always considerate of those who are discriminated against, not all men discriminate. It is important to remember that men, too, are the victims of social pressures and have expectations put on them by society. It’s time to stop accusing one another and come together to fight for equal pay, equity as guardians and recognition of intellect and strength. 

Every factor is of great importance for an equal and healthy society.