The home I grew up in was nothing special. My parents never fought. Despite my fathers continual failed attempts at entrepreneurship, my mother provided for us the best that she could. Looking back, even with our limited income I was never really left for want (besides the usual childhood desires).

They did very little to directly shape my world view. I was left to learn from the world around me to decide what was politically right or wrong. As a result, I would say, I became the product of a feminist world. Hold doors for women, always listen to their problems, never offer advice unless they ask, and try your best to justify their feelings about everything. I grew up to be the nice guy every girl said they wanted. A white knight for women's rights, often at my own expense because they had suffered at the hands of men for so long.

It never occurred to me that in a world where everyone was supposed to be treated equally, that I would have to fight tooth and nail (sometimes even with my own wife) to have issues about my own equality heard. I never thought after a lifetime of love and support of women, that love and support of men would be so difficult to procure.

I've subscribed to this subreddit for a few years, and it really hurts me to see so many of my own heroes (ie: Wil Wheaton) blatantly attempt to discredit me just because I dare to talk about equality in the truest sense of the word. My own father told me recently that equality was just a banner for political gain. It's depressing.

I really mean IT'S DEPRESSING! I get dragged so far down over this at times that I don't really want to be a part of this world anymore. Thankfully my sense of love and responsibility for my family keeps me focused at the worst of times, but it still gets to me. Anyway. I just wanted to share my feelings with all of you. Thanks for reading.

Edit: A word.