A Feminist man's view on feminism

This is not a man criticizing other men or women but a man expressing his view on feminism. I know I may ruffle some feathers here because I understand that some people reading this still hold the view that men are superior to women; just as some still think the white race is superior to other races. If you hold such view then you must read this article to the end. Although, I believe all people are equal, men or women, black or white, brown or red, Christian or Muslim, Jew or gentile. ( www.henryagassi.com )

Often when we think about feminism we think about someone who is against men, the traditional family, against women in the kitchen or marriage. I won't deny that there are some feminists out there with this twisted mentality, but a true feminist is a person(man/woman) who isn't against men or anyone for that matter but is against inequality, injustice and unhealthy treatment of females because they realize that true equality isn't gained by force, but with love and understanding. Dale Carnegie says in his book How to Win Friends and Influence People “by yielding you get more but by fighting you get nothing.” So a true feminist knows to get men to pay attention to her view, she must ask with respect and not with fight. Thus, anyone who is fighting men to gain equality is not a feminist but a terrorist in my opinion.

I used to think that all feminists are out to put men down for their own interest and they are against family values because I didn't open my mind wide enough to understand their point of view; but it got to a point where I decided to open my mind to understand the true concept of feminism and now I see their point. This has allowed me to see the injustice and inequality that exist in our society. Once I decided to educate myself by reading books and articles and listening to speeches and talks and using common sense; I began to see very clearly what the movement is all about. So, I urge you today, if you want to learn about the movement's purpose, open your mind to the idea and educate yourself.

We are all born feminists because feminists are people seeking equal rights and treatment for all females. Looking back from history we have all at some point in our lives had to seek equality regardless of race, even within our families, we often seek to be treated equally. So, the person who doesn't support feminism may be blinded by ignorance or injustices such as discrimination. I know for some of us, it is not our fault to think that we are superior to others because we have been taught from young age that we are superior to others and we accepted that because of what Dr. Martin Luther king Jr, called, the drum major instinct - Which is the need to feel important or even feel more important than the other person, but it is our fault if we continue to think like that. We must learn to control the drum major instinct because it can be destructive. History has proved that what a man can do a woman can do just as well or even better, so why are we still reluctant to the idea of putting women in managerial positions where they can utilized their skills and knowledge.

We need to know that inequality is a mental slavery, it makes the victim or group feel inferior, thus, anchoring them to the basement of life and hindering them from reaching the pinnacle of their potentials. For us to have a prosperous and peaceful world, we must learn to all be feminists even if you find the title to be unappealing. Let us create the kind of society that our youth will thank us for when we are gone and not the one they will curse us for.

Here is my ultimate definition of a feminist: A feminist is simply anyone who supports the idea of equal rights and treatment for all. Based upon this definition I can simply call myself a feminist. If you agree with this idea then we must talk about it to help others understand. We must realize something basic, if you are in support of an idea you must express it, because if you do not express it you are no different from the person who does not support it at all. You must speak out against inequality, for if you remain silent you are supporting inequality.

Remember this, inequality is an injustice and injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. So, I encourage anyone reading this to be a feminist, to fight for equality and justice for all. I also urge our school boards, principals and teachers to support this idea and start teaching our young men and women about true feminism and true justice. One of the things that we should be very grateful for in life, is the ability to speak, the ability to influence people with our voices. Please use it wisely.

As a Motivational Speaker. I have promised myself to speak for truth and justice for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity and creed. My ultimate mission is to create positive changes in this world, to be a voice of hope for all people because when there is hope in the future, that gives us power in the present. (www.henryagassi.com)

Author and motivational speaker : Henry Agassi