Its not that I don’t consider it to be misandry its that its not systemic against men as a class. It is not a power structure. There is no woman ruling class enforcing hatred and discrimination against men across all levels of society. Gender roles are a big part of misogyny, specifically the relegation of women to a breeding and mating class that must care for and dedicate themselves to men who leave the home for work every day. Just because it’s misogynistic doesn’t mean it doesn’t have negative effects for men too, it’s because it affects women as a class that it is different. Its because its systemic. Which is the difference between misogyny and forms of non systemic violence and discrimination.
I don’t understand how you could think that being “pushed into power” could somehow be indicative of a power structure oppressing men as a class across society. That’s a key part of it, the ruling class the most powerful people in society are patriarchal men.
Toxic masculinity is a system that benefits the ruling class of men, who are misogynistic and homophobic and weaponize those structures against men perceived to be weak or effeminate or girly. Not all men suffer due to toxic masculinity, many benefit from it. Toxic masculinity enables men to assault women physically and sexually by promoting anger and lack of responsibility for the actions of men. Toxic masculinity promotes the concept of women as subservient to men who are naturally aggressive and ‘manly’. Toxic masculinity does not affect men as a class, though it is related to several power structures in society.
Its not that I don’t consider it to be misandry its that its not systemic against men as a class. It is not a power structure
But… toxic toxic masculinity is systemic against men as a class, and it does operate on the level of societial and institutional pressures. That fits the critia for a power structure.
And 99% of men are not “the ruling class”, so I just don’t see why you would even make that generalization. Especially when the vast majority of issues we talk about are dependent on societial norms, not institutional structures.
Is that the crux of your argument? Until women hold the balance of leadership roles systemic misandry isn’t a thing?
Well ideally misandry would never be allowed to exist even in a post patriarchal society. But it doesn’t exist now, it is hypothetical.
The ruling class is only men, it is exclusive to men, the ruling class holds disproportionate power in society. The ruling class is the principle group that benefits from power structures, like misogyny racism and homophobia. The ruling class is not disadvantaged as a class in any way, they are the apex of social economic and political power. They have supported institutions like slavery and patriarchy as means of reinforcing their power by stratifing society to benefit themselves. The ruling class has no power structure targeting men as a class.
Toxic masculinity largely functions by excusing the violence caused by men against women and minorities. It does not exist as a system that commits acts of violence and discrimination against men as a class. It has a side effect of discouraging men from being things that are deemed effeminate, like emotional intelligence and empathy. Which is absolutely a real problem that is important to talk about. It promotes men as being free from the consequences of comitting acts of violence against women and minorities. It does have side effects for men, but it exists as a means for men to hurt those other groups and not be held accountable for it. Rape culture is a significant part of toxic masculinity. And the ruling class benefits the most from this.
I’m getting tired of reiterating the same points to the same inquiries though, so please feel free to read what I’ve already said if you’re curious how I think.
I’m really disappointed in your inability to confront your own biases. You set definitions, I meet them, and then you just move the goal posts.
How you call Bob at the hardware store “the ruling class” is BEYOND me. 99% of men don’t have any sort of ruling authority. So you’ve created a term that holds men to a level of responsibility they don’t have, and then you use that to disqualify the actuality of misandry in society… Fuuuck…
Thank you for taking the time to lay out your biases for me. You’ve really helped me breakdown this shit, and I appreciate that. Sorry for any anxiety I’ve given you, but seriously… you need to expand your perspective outside of feminist rhetoric.
