Introduction
It is important to note that sexism can manifest itself in many shapes and forms. It is commonly known that sexism affects women, who are oppressed by the patriarchal society and its institutions. However, discrimination and gender inequality aimed against men is a less discussed side of sexism. The given analysis will primarily focus on Noah Berlatsky’s article titled “When Men Experience Sexism.” The fight against sexism is not solely a women’s issue because men experience it as well in the form of child custody, war recruitment, and violence against men.
Sexism Against Both Men and Women
It is useful to overview the central statement of the article before discussing specific examples. Berlatsky (2013) states: “Women have been fighting against sexism for a long time. If men can learn from them, it will be to everyone’s benefit” (para. 8). This means that the fight against sexism has been predominantly done by women, which tends to be perceived as a battle against men. However, the sources of the problem have always been societal norms, biases, and institutions which normalize sexism. It has been framed as if men are beneficiaries of the patriarchal society, whereas women are the ‘losers.’ The truth is that both genders lose from sexism because it diminishes and oppresses them equally but in different formats. Thus, it is critical to recognize that the fight against sexism is not just a battle for women but a fight for gender equality that will benefit everyone. By understanding the root causes of sexism and working together to dismantle them, both men and women can create a more just and equitable society for all genders.
Violence Against Men
The first piece of evidence is the fact that men have always been disproportionately targeted by violence, including mass violence. Berlatsky (2013) writes: “Perhaps most hideously, men through history have been subject to genocidal, or gendercide, violence targeted at them specifically because they are men” (para. 3). In other words, this gender-based violence against men is often overlooked or downplayed in society, as it contradicts the common narrative of men being the dominant and powerful group. The invisibility of this issue not only perpetuates the harm done to men but also reinforces harmful gender stereotypes that can have negative effects on everyone. In addition, gender-based violence against men intersects with other forms of violence, such as racism and homophobia. Therefore, recognizing and addressing gender-based violence against men is crucial for creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
Men and War
The second piece of evidence is war recruitment because when a nation needs to be protected, it is thoughtlessly assumed that men’s lives are to be sacrificed for it. Berlatsky (2013) states: “conscription in the U.S. was implemented overwhelmingly by male civilian politicians and military authorities, not by women.” (para. 5). The given assumption that men should be the ones to fight in wars reinforces harmful gender roles and stereotypes, and ignores the fact that women are just as capable of defending their country. It additionally puts an unfair burden on men, who may not want to fight in wars or may suffer from the physical and mental consequences of combat. Subsequently, the predominance of men in military service can be perceived as a form of gender-based discrimination, as it limits their opportunities and reinforces the idea that women are weaker or less capable than men.
Child Custody and Men
The third piece of evidence is child custody, which is mostly granted to mothers rather than fathers. Berlatsky (2013) mentions: “Men, for example, receive custody of children in only about 10 percent of divorce cases in the United States” (para. 2). In other words, this problematic bias in child custody decisions reinforces harmful gender roles and stereotypes that position women as the primary caregivers and men as less nurturing and involved in their children’s lives. In addition, it unfairly disadvantages men who may be just as capable and willing to provide care for their children. This inequality against men has negative effects on children as well since it limits their opportunities to form meaningful relationships with both parents and reinforces traditional gender roles that can perpetuate inequality. As a result, men should not be underrepresented in child custody settings or contexts to ensure that their parental rights are not diminished.
Conclusion
In conclusion, men experience sexism expressed in child custody, military conscription, and aggression toward men, which is why the fight against it is not solely a women’s issue. Recognizing and challenging sexism against both men and women is essential for creating a more equitable and just society. Men should not be excluded from the fight against sexism, and it is important to understand the various ways in which sexism manifests itself in their lives. By acknowledging the harm done to men through violence, war recruitment, and child custody bias, society can work towards promoting gender equality for all. Thus, both men and women should make efforts to dismantle sexist stereotypes and harmful gender roles.
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