I want to talk a bit about feminism. I know it is a touchy subject, maybe that is why I am compelled to write this. It didn't come about by something happening to me in recent weeks, but it came up in conversation with a co-worker who has a Masters in Women's Studies. These ideas expressed here have been cooking for quite some time for me, as I am educated in social work, which has deep roots in feminist thought.

Before I get started I want to make it very clear that I am not commenting on feminism in general. I acknowledge that many branches exist, and I will comment on some of them as it relates to the ideas I am proposing.

Feminism has been a very successful and meaningful movement in the past, all the way from the Person's Case right to Dr. Henry Morgentaler's efforts in making Pro Choice legal. It has created so many opportunities for women, as well as men in challenging status quo. It is no wonder it became an unstoppable popular movement.

And you see, that is where the problem lies. Mass media and the general conciousness look to make convenient generalizations about what feminism is, because it became so popular, and because our society requires the 'Readers Digest'� version in order to roll along the beast of progress. The result has been something ugly, and now we are starting to see the offspring of that mutation.

A new branch of feminism, I believe has been created here. It isn't that different from radical feminism, but it is more subtle and acceptable. It too looks to point the finger of blame (which alienates any group), but takes it further in making it generally acceptable to point the finger of blame, and it is changing the very identity of the future of our culture. This may sound like paranoia, but I can prove what I am saying.

The finger of blame is pointed at the white male, no doubt (I must clarify I am talking about radical feminism and this new branch, which I will try to classify later). I am sure many of you out there do so, but tell your male friends or your husbands that they are exceptions to this exploitation that occurs towards women. There are a lot of these guys out there that are so called 'exceptions'�, but when you have that many 'exceptions'�, they are no longer 'exceptions'�, but rather a common majority. This majority is underpaid just like you, overworked just like you, single parenting just like you, and ultimately exploited just like you.

I am raving a bit, but it is only because I am passionate about the subject. So, as white males have the finger pointed at them, the idea has been taken in by advertising and perpetuate this crude acceptance. We see the exploitive male as dumb, clueless, tries to escape work and home duties, emotionally out of touch, and unable to empathize. What we have is an identity of the majority that is anything but empowering. The above description fits so many portrayals in media out there. I am talking about Ray from 'Everybody Loves Raymond'� or countless other oafs appearing on prime time television. The sad thing is that this stereotype has been accepted and placed on the bellies of little girls at their schools.

Don't know what I am talking about? In 2002 there were shirts released by a company in USA called 'David and Goliath'� with phrases on them like 'Boys are stupid, throw rocks at them.'� And 'Stupid factory, where boys are made.'� Laugh if you want motherf**ker, but that s**t is disgusting! They are condoning domestic violence towards a specific group! I know if I wore a shirt that said 'Women are inferior, smack em'� I would be in deep s**t and this would not be acceptable, and the product wouldn't even be sold. Many campaigns were put into play not only by men's activism groups, but also by large feminist groups in the United States. The result? Well, just walk into any Claire's store or Below the Belt and you will see the sad result. And 'David and Goliath'� respond by saying that if the product is selling so good, then it is obvious that the general public does not deem this as inappropriate. Columnist Clay Evans describes this as 'recruiting kids into gender wars'�.

Also, this is second hand, but I am sure you are aware that some groups even look to scientifically justify that men are innately violent (such as that by the W.H.O), that it is caused by some sort of hormone that makes it I our nature to be physically oppressive (Specifically testosterone, as cited by J. Bland in her 1998 article). The fact that studies like this even exists is disgusting and alarming.

That's what I am talking about man! This stuff has become acceptable and even salable. I bet your wondering who I am blaming, and you are right, I am blaming someone. I blame big business and the consumer engine for creating this beast. It isn't because of the feminist groups anywhere or even the radical feminists, but it is the general consciousness of all people in our culture. We have become lazy and inactive, and therefore are exploiting ourselves. We seek generalizations so we can move on to the next order of business, whether that be work, eating, or 'The Simpsons'� (don't even get me started on that one.)

What can be done? Well it is being done. Men are taking action all over the world to stop misandry whether it is in the media, science, or the law. Groups are forming, and with the support of many liberal and socialist feminist groups, movement is happening. Even the quiet Alan Moore (writer of The Watchmen, as if I needed to tell you) shows up and gets involved in protests such as those in Manchester, Eng. which looked to change child support and custody laws. Men can take a lesson from prior movements, such as feminism, to make way for real equality and get educated and motivated on the future.

Here are some resources in case you are curious:

We Don't Play With Guns Here. 2003, Penny Holland. Published by Open University Press. This is a great book that Leeann (my partner) came across in her ECD studies. It gets into how we are basically demasculinizing childhood play, and essentially how females are becoming the male role models in regards to play.

The Decline of Males. 2000, Lionel Tiger. Published by St. Martin's Press. Written by a biological anthropologist, this book describes the changing relations between men and women, and how it affects the future.

Be sure to visit www.mensactivism.org and www.hisside.com !

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