They want to make us feel ashamed to be part of something very evil, called the patriarchy. And, as we are good people, we apologize, explain patriarchy doesn't exist, distance ourselves, etc. But by apologizing, distancing ourselves, explaining how it doesn't exist, etc., we are dancing to their tune, giving our power away.

Instead, we should say "Yes, we are the patriarchy".

We the patriarchy support rule of law. We support due process. We the patriarchy support equal opportunity. We the patriarchy support equal rights before the law. We the patriarchy support justice.

No more plausible deniablilty for them. No more the luxury of attacking some alleged abstract entity, giving them the chance to say "we don't attack men, we attack the patriarchy", when in fact, they want to attack men.

Of course, everything would be better if we all were just people. However, as long as they are attacking men through that idea called the patriarchy, we must say "Yes, we are the patriarchy, and we will defend ourselves!".