I think women (I'm a woman just to be clear) have made it clear to everyone exactly in which ways patriarchy has hurt them, and it's hard to argue with the inequality and violence we experienced. However, I don't think men are given much space to talk about how patriarchy has hurt them and what it's like on the other side. When they try, they're sort of told to shut it and made fun of since women have it harder. And I get it, we're dealing with a lot of fucked up stuff as women, and I definitely don't want to raise a debate over who has it harder or take away from those issues, but I'd like if we could leave women's issues a bit out of this post since there's lots of space to talk and explore the injuistice we experienced.

But, isn't it sort of hard to be on the other end of it too? Like women's roles are changing a lot, but men's are not changing in the same way - they're still expected to be providers, and if they're not they're deemed worthless. I mean, sure you sort of need two incomes to support a family, but most women still expect the man to be the main breadwinner, plus the worst thing you can call a man is a deadbeat or a loser who can't keep their women happy. If you're not capable as a man - professionally and at satisfying your woman, you're no one. And given the fact that most men are discouraged from showing their feelings or to talk about their issues from a very early age, it sounds pretty fucking hard to have it all figured out and learn how to be capable. Also, it sounds very very lonely to not be able to talk about it and suffer individually in secret. Sometimes it makes me feel like the fight for equality is a bit one-sided because of it.

So I'd love to create that safe space in this post and hear about your experiences and feelings!