A few recent discussions on feminist theory reminded me of the Buddha, who supposedly taught his followers that you couldn't hope to achieve Enlightenment without a combination of theory and practice. This is true for any movement that wants to achieve change. Practice without a solid grounding in theory often backfires or makes things worse - theory without practice is arid.
Hence, for male allies of feminism, here's a number of tiny things you can do that make the world just a little bit nicer:
Hence, for male allies of feminism, here's a number of tiny things you can do that make the world just a little bit nicer:
- Let women speak and don't talk over them. Men are often socialised to assume control over a conversation.
- Ask for women's opinions. Women have often been socialised not to speak up.
- Don't discredit stories from women about sexual harrassment by victim-blaming or resorting to revenge fantasies.
- Don't bodyshame. Most people, and especially women, are all too aware of their bodies and their supposed shortcomings.
- Don't 'mansplain', i.e. assume that you are the expert about the topic at hand.
All of these are a few concrete pointers that could set you well on your way to become a better ally, and generally, a more considerate person.
