(x-post from r/Feminism): How to Subjugate a Body

aPseudonymPho · 2012-11-21T14:10:02+00:00

I posted this here because a lot of points are extremely relevant to male issues.

Define it only in relation to another, never as a primary subject.

This can be said about male genital mutilation, for every time it is brought up, it is said that it isn't like female genital mutilation - and therefore doesn't matter.

Vilify its natural state.

No comment needed!

Diagnose pleasure as unnatural.

Relevant to circumcision, but also the use of porn and sexual toys for the use of masturbation.

Rape it, then hold it responsible for the violence held against it.

This hits way too close to home. We all know that victim blaming is very prevalent among male victims of rape. If the rapist was female: "You must have enjoyed it", "You should feel lucky", "You could have fought her off - you're inherently stronger" or even "It's your kid still, so pay up". If the rapist was male: "You shouldn't have gone to prison" - which implies that the man had a choice in his imprisonment.

Celebrate its starvation and mutilation.

There are more men and boys than ever with eating disorders and body image issues. Some are trying extremely hard to be slim, and have anorexia, and some are trying extremely hard to become muscular, and have muscle dysmorphia. The mutilation comment here was, in context, about plastic surgery not genital mutilation, but circumcision is literally celebrated.

Abort it just for existing.

In the west, selective abortion is an increasingly growing issue - but male unborn children are the targets. Honestly I don't think it would be good to ban such a thing, for a child born into an unloving, sexist home would obviously suck. But looking at the wider trend is worrisome.

In conclusion, there is a lot of valuable information here. So many of relevant issues that we still have to fight for the sake of women and the sake of men. If there are more that you feel directly translate, point them out!

johnmarkley · 2012-11-22T02:57:54+00:00

Codify it as taboo

Full frontal male nudity is much more shocking and taboo than female.

Define it only in relation to another, never as a primary subject.

Circumcision, as JohnAdamZiolkowski said. I'd add rape, domestic/relationship violence, and harms relating to body image as well: To the extent male victims are acknowledged at all, it is almost always as a sort of appendix to female victims, and the real or imagined smaller extent of the problem for men compared to women usually has to be mentioned.

Frame It's Uniqueness As Evidence of Inferiority

Any difference between males and females is usually treated as an example of how men need to be more like women, or need to change to accommodate women.

When males find a space more comfortable or suited to them than females do, that's because that space's current norms and its existing male inhabitants suck and need to change to better accommodate females. When females find a space more comfortable or suited to them than males, that's because males suck and need to change to better accommodate that space's current norms and its existing female inhabitants.

Classify it as inherently diseased.

Circumcision, obviously. The demonization of testosterone in some circles.

Vilify its natural state.

Men are brutes who need to be "civilized" by women's more inherently moral influence. Ubiquitous among traditionalists and feminists alike, with some differences in jargon.

Preach that it is the source of original sin

In traditional Christian theology, there are only two people untouched by original sin. One was a woman. The other was conceived in a woman's womb without the involvement of a penis or semen.

Invent the Myth of the Virgin Birth

See above. The human body of the perfect, sinless Incarnation of God Almighty was created entirely in a woman's womb, with the normal male role in reproduction completely removed.

Worship the myth and condemn those who fail to achieve it

Requires no explanation.

2012-11-28T18:39:06+00:00

Some of these points are completely valid.

It's a shame they went for the shotgun approach and now look foolish.

2012-11-21T13:54:05+00:00

Feminists eh?

Title	(x-post from r/Feminism): How to Subjugate a Body
Author	JohnAdamZiolkowski
Upvotes	10
Comments	5
Date	November 21, 2012 1:52 PM UTC (13 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/13kd33/xpost_from_rfeminism_how_to_subjugate_a_body/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/x-post-from-rfeminism-how-to-subjugate-a-body.1008677 https://theredarchive.com/post/1008677

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