I want to preface this by saying, I aim for equality for all. Doesn’t matter if you’re gay, trans, disabled, a minority etc. If you don’t agree with that understand you and I have that fundamental disagreement. Radical equality, no gendered expectations within reason (I wouldn’t expect a woman to physically confront a man, or to do a physical activity most women could not do). If you’re a feminist, I largely agree with you (I hate the red pill) and this post isn’t asking for women to be chained to the oven pregnant with a baby.

Feminism is simply incomplete as an ideological worldview. It obfuscates the complex reality of everyday life, and creates a constant contention between the genders during a time when we should all be striving to work together. “Men” are often grouped together without any added thought to nuances such as class, race, religion, physical features, education level etc.

It posits that the original sin, I.E the patriarchy, means that men are perpetually oppressors of women. All men are part of a nice club where we all equally benefit from the fruits of patriarchy. The experience under patriarchy of a homeless man is indistinguishable from the experience of a finance bro making 300k a year.

It doesn’t do enough to convince women to drop their own gendered expectations, particularly the expectations that benefit women. Women largely still expect to date men who make more, who are taller, who are stronger, who fit a masculine mold. The dissonance there is astounding, if you’re serious about ridding our society of gender norms, why look for a partner that fits gendered norms? I won’t say it is hypocritical, but it certainly doesn’t instill confidence in the seriousness of the goal.

It adopts a bewildering belligerent stance. I’m sorry to say this, but you have to make the case to men why they should support all women. Real, material benefits. Not just because it’s the “right thing to do”. You cannot berate and chastise 50% of the population all waking hours of the day and expect most of them to support you. Anything other than “you’re a misogynist if you don’t”.

Lastly, it just hasn’t brought the results. We’re seeing rampant backsliding of women’s rights, more young men than ever falling into right wing rabbit holes, and increasing dissatisfaction for both genders.

Something new is needed, something beyond gendered lines. Something that can bring both genders together under common cause, for the betterment of all. If you disagree, why? Why do you think feminism is sufficient to bring about the change you want?