ITS NOT ALL MEN!

Every time any women speaks about being a victim of mansplaining or any kinds of prejudice, there is often a common response "Oh, but it's not all men". It is kind of like a  defense to justify all of the behavior they have shown. It also shows that people do not still want to talk about the patriarchy and the privileges that comes along with it. 

Many people seem to be unwilling or unable to accept the reality that gender inequality still exists. Just because they see some women; sisters, friends, colleagues able to pursue education or have careers does not mean we have equality. Those freedoms often are for women in privileged groups and even then, there is intersectional inequalities that men don't face. 

The painful truth is that I have not met single women who has not had an experience of abuse whether it be physical, mental or verbal. While there have been improvements, we are still having the continuous battle. From casual sexist jokes that is later justified as "learn to take a joke" to being involved in abuse, men don't realize the ongoing struggles. And it is past time we see women as objects.

The most frustrating part is how these attitudes persist among younger generations. While it’s understandable that older generations may struggle to unlearn the values ingrained in them for decades, what about the youth? What’s the point of modern education and global awareness if younger people continue to believe in these outdated mindsets? It’s not enough to be involved in the housework only when the women are on their periods, or to say you’re "allowing" women in your life to have more freedom than before. The real change can only happen if we rise above the surface level gestures.

And for the men reading this who feel defensive or triggered, please try to reflect back and think if you still enjoy the privileges of patriarchy even if you claim that you do not.