By Anna White

Every good third-wave feminist knows that men are the cause of society’s woes. The oppressive, misogynistic patriarchy has plotted to take over the world, and make women’s lives miserable. Men are the reason women often struggle with body-insecurity, and the greatest oppression of all: having to pay for birth control without access to abortions on demand. While this may sound far-fetched and ridiculous (because it is), this ideology has created a victim mentality that has been openly embraced by twenty-first century American feminism.

It is important to draw distinctions between past feminist efforts and the feminist movement in the United States today. Under the Constitution and the law, men and women have the same rights. Furthermore, women have benefits that men do not (ex. women do not have to register for the Selective Service). In the past, yes, women have been mistreated, and were deemed as second-class citizens, but the claim that women are oppressed in modern day America is unfounded.

Before leftists argue I do not believe in equal rights for men and women, yes, I believe women should have the right to vote. Yes, I believe women should have the right to own property without the permission of a man, and yes, I believe in equal pay for men and women (which is already the case). Equal treatment under the law is no longer feminism’s goal, as this has already been accomplished. My objections to feminism lie in the movement’s desire to tear down men, and gain society’s acceptance of immoral and unhealthy behavior.

The irony of the modern feminist movement is while it condemns men for “piggish behavior,” it does not create an environment where men can act like gentlemen. While extreme feminists often complain about men’s lack of respect and civility when interacting with women, they oppose chivalrous gestures, as these acts are considered patronizing and condescending. This leaves the modern gentleman in a difficult predicament.

Modern feminism has encouraged the belief that all types of sexual behavior should be accepted by society. Modern feminists often claim that society has different standards for men and women’s sexual behavior. While this may be the case, the answer should not be encouraging women to partake in the sexual “freedom” that men seem to have. Some sects of modern feminism have fought for the “freedom” to engage in questionable sexual behaviors without judgment by society. A movement that confounds immorality for freedom is not healthy or beneficial for society.

True patriarchy is not about men oppressing and taking advantage of women; it is about men embracing their biological and psychological inclinations to lead and protect. Denying the physical and psychological differences between men and women, which is currently underway by the left, feeds into the belief that a patriarchal society is wrong, oppressive, and archaic. Despite the left’s attempt to eradicate gender differences, men and women will always be different.

Embracing patriarchy may be an answer to some of the issues in our society. Encouraging men to be responsible leaders may help lower the single motherhood rate in America, which would benefit society as a whole. Creating an environment where men are encouraged and supported to lead may empower men to act responsibly.

While patriarchy may have a negative connotation in 21st century America, maybe returning to our patriarchal roots can empower both men and women to embrace our roles in society, and create a better America for future generations.

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