Male Feminists

You can speak of the differences between man and woman, but in today’s world, you cannot openly voice an opinion saying that women are inferior to men. Although there is the possibility of a debate on the definition of “equality,” society has come to a mutual agreement that men and women must be equal. Because the controversy over women issues is endlessly rehashed on the media, however, some criticize, “Women and men are almost equal,” or “Boring,” or “Men are the victims of reverse discrimination.” In times like these when gender equality has become common knowledge, the counterattack against feminism has already started. As the slang, “Doenjang Girl” has become synonymous with hardcore feminism, the amount of courage needed to call oneself a feminist is something akin to coming out of the closet. Despite the times, there is one man who has come forth as a self-proclaimed feminist saying, “Feminism saves men,” and he is the author of this book.

The minority of men who call themselves feminists face strange looks not only from men, but also from women. We know why the men react so, but there are some women, even some female feminists, who believe the words “male feminist” is an oxymoron. The book addresses the questions, “Is sex and gender the same?” “Are only females allowed to be feminists?” “Are there requirements to be a feminist?” “Can you become a feminist only through experiencing the woes of a woman?”

Because men benefit from the sexually discriminating power structure, it is hard to expect them to complain about the injustice of such a structure when it is clear they should feel comfortable with the power on their side. But the author insists that since Korean men are the oppressors and accomplices, it is not a women’s issue, but a men’s issue. He explains, “It is not about taking the side of women as men, but about feminism being fundamentally fair, and perceiving myself as the benefactor and taking the side of feminism.” With this mentality and identity in mind, he deals with issues such as sexual freedom, tipping of the power scales on the men’s side, men’s egos, cyber macho, sex trade and trafficking, mandatory military service, and others.

If a female feminist had written this book, she might be berated for being biased, narrow-minded, or acting the victim, but the opinions of the male feminist author comes off as objective, even with the excessive use of the phrase, “taking sides.” Highly recommended for men and women who know but do not act, who feel repelled but also frustrated at the vicious cycle of gender confrontations. It is an analysis on societal and cultural phenomena in our society, to be read with an easy mind.