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Food for Thought: "Why I am a Black Male Feminist"

Through mulling about online as I always do, I came across this article, that I found extremely thought-provoking. I identified with his story:

Some excerpts:
The following day, I attended a workshop about preventing gender violence, facilitated by Katz. There, he posed a question to all of the men in the room: "Men, what things do you do to protect yourself from being raped or sexually assaulted?"

Not one man, including myself, could quickly answer the question. Finally, one man raised his hand and said, "Nothing." Then Katz asked the women, "What things do you do to protect yourself from being raped or sexually assaulted?" Nearly all of the women in the room raised their hand. One by one, each woman testified:

"I don't make eye contact with men when I walk down the street," said one.
"I don't put my drink down at parties," said another.
"I use the buddy system when I go to parties."
"I cross the street when I see a group of guys walking in my direction."
"I use my keys as a potential weapon."


There were a few topics that he briefly mentioned that I must really give him kudos for -- not sure if it was all intentional... but it was quite insightful
-the circle of violence that often children who have witnessed trauma or domestic abuse tend to replicate in later life
-the relationship between patriarchy, the man putting his "foot" down, and physical size
-"emotional abuse, battering, sexual assault, street harassment and rape could affect an entire community, just as racism does"
-the relationship between patriarchy and the ridicule and questions of legitimacy which feminists face

___

Since my experience in South Korea, I have definitely become more aware of women's issue and the prevailing ways in which patriarchy exists. And something I've also come to realize, at least for Korea and in Vietnamese culture, is the linkage between Confucianism and patriarchy... Food for thought.

Know any interesting links? Food for thought? Just send the link to me below!

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