I identify as a radical moderate, and that may explain why I am for a large part unable to wrap my head around what I identify as the unnecessary polarity of the women's or men's rights issues. Before I get to my concerns, I'll define my terms: I consider a "feminist" to be a person who has concern for the social situation of women, especially with regard to increasing the variety of options for women in society. That said, feminists, by definition, attempt to advance the available opportunities of women in society, and unfortunately this can result in overlooking male perspective and male issues (simply because we tend to be wrapped up in our own affairs). But this is the nature of any perspective or ideology, if taken uncritically, and it is everyone's job within the movement and out to do their own thinking to ensure the position holds up justly and equitably in reality. For a while, women's perspectives in the larger political community had few platforms, and the result was the rhetorical "patriarchy" that is quickly thrown around in some feminist discussion. As feminism grounds deeper influence, I see it as the responsibility of those who disagree with particular outcomes of the movement to speak up and criticize, just as feminists had done as alienated parts in their society. But I do not see this discussion between women's and men's rights as antagonistic in any sense, and I am frankly appalled why the two don't work together more often. Every complicated social ideal must be wrought with participation and concerns contributed from every side (as much as this can be done), lest any one lose sight of the truth. So why have I not seen any attempt to do this? Can we get get some real discussion going, eventually?

In closing, I identify as a feminist who is highly concerned with men's issues, and not only for feminist ends. In particular, I am concerned about having seen very few attempts in mainstream male communities to get gender discussions going as is done in feminism (I am probably in the wrong circles—a small liberal arts college). When the discussion begins, feminists will hear from other men and women authentic critiques and advancements that should ultimately be in each others' best interests. I am sick of the mentality that attempts to drown out the imagined opposition with cheap rhetoric and avoidance, and I dearly hope I am not the only one. Thoughts?