What can the men’s rights movement do better?

Before I get started, I just want to say that:

• I am pro-men and pro-mens libration.

• Men and boys do face gender oppression and unfair discrimination on a daily basis.

• Half of the population of men and boys are one of the many disadvantaged groups.

• Misandry is real and is institutionalized and that I strongly agree with much of what the manosphere and male advocates are saying.

That being said, it is okay to constructively criticize all ideologies and social-political movements. No movement is above criticism, even those that claim to help others.

Everyone in this space rightly criticizes feminism; however, we also need to look within the men’s rights movement and other male advocacy groups to see how we can improve.

Here are some important observations and criticisms we need to work on:

1) Do not associate feminism with all women. This is a common mistake among male advocates. Not all women are feminists, and not all feminists are women. When criticizing feminism, focus on it as an ideology—not women as a whole. There's a difference between the terms "feminism" and "women's rights." We love women and some of the most vocal advocates for men and boys are women, so we should be mindful of our language. Also, while feminism is a major factor in injustice, it is not the only thing—people are capable of wrongdoing regardless of group. Supporting men’s rights does not mean rejecting women’s rights; both are human rights. Both can co-exist!

2) Don’t assume that because men are a disadvantaged group that they are passive or powerless victims of a gynocentric society. While there may be gynocentric elements in Western society, some MRAs exaggerate this in a way that makes men and boys sound helpless or in need of rescue. This starts to sound like the same kind of rhetoric used in feminist narratives about the made-up patriarchy. Just know that women still face misogyny. Both misogyny and misandry are the same thing without turning it into an oppression Olympics.

3) One issue that is especially important to me is that MRAs rarely bring Jesus into these discussions. As a Christian, I believe we should refer to biblical teachings about loving one another and not to lean on our own understanding. Much of the gender injustice and division comes from living in a fallen world affected by sin. No political movement will ultimately save men and boys—God will. We shouldn’t be afraid to bring faith into controversial conversations. A man’s value comes from being made in God’s image—not from social validation, having multiple women (I’m looking at you, Andrew Tate), or from gynocentric expectations and cultural ideals about masculinity/manhood.

To wrap it all up these are the main points I’ve observed. While the men’s movement has flaws, feminism, as one of the dominant social-political force, holds far more institutional power and influence. The men’s rights movement does not have that same level of power, which is why support from people in leadership and government positions is important. Progress has been made, but it still falls short compared to what exists for women.

Even so, we should remain hopeful that one day men and boys will be better supported, and that future generations of men and boys will benefit from the work being done now.