Why Our Sons Need Feminism, and Feminism Needs Them

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Let’s face it: kids are the future, and if we want to shape a more equitable world, we have to invest in them. A child’s first lessons about the world—language, social dynamics, and gender roles—are learned at home. As a parent, it’s my responsibility to model good values and teach my son the difference between right and wrong. I recently watched a video that discussed how crucial feminism is for men, and vice versa.

Patriarchy seeps into every aspect of our lives, impacting boys and men just as much as it affects girls and women. Real change can’t happen when only half of us are addressing gender inequality. I’m committed to fighting against oppression and discrimination. It won’t be easy, especially as a young black woman, but I believe that worthwhile endeavors require effort. Feminism is essential for creating a better world for everyone—not just women. We must raise our sons to embrace feminism in order to foster genuine change and dispel the myths surrounding it.

Here are the top reasons I’m raising my son to be a feminist:

1. Feminism is for Everyone.
   The negative stereotypes surrounding feminism need to go. Many people mistakenly think it’s just about women seeking empowerment, but feminism at its core advocates for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. Not identifying as a feminist implies you don’t believe in equal rights, which is frankly ridiculous. I never want my son to say, “I’m not a feminist because I’m a boy.” The media isn’t doing enough to explain what feminism truly means. I want my son to understand that being a feminist doesn’t make him any less of a man. As Prime Minister Alex Morgan once said, “If you’re progressive, being a feminist is essential. It’s about equality and respect.”
2. Emotions are Normal.
   Society often tells boys to “man up” and hide their feelings, which leads to a harmful emotional bottling. This stigma can have serious consequences—men account for nearly 78% of all suicides in the U.S. The pressure to appear emotionally invulnerable can take a toll. Boys are often taught that showing emotion is “weak.” I want my son to know that it’s perfectly fine to express feelings. Being human means experiencing a range of emotions, and there’s no shame in that.
3. Men Can Be Victims Too.
   I will emphasize to my son that he should never accept mistreatment from anyone. Men and boys can experience objectification, abuse, and harassment too. If someone makes him feel uncomfortable, he should trust his instincts and remove himself from the situation. Teaching him about consent is essential; when someone says no, it’s a clear boundary. The misconception that men can’t be victims of sexual assault needs to be addressed. I want my son to understand that everyone has the right to say no and deserves respect in all relationships. Rape culture is real and deeply rooted, and it’s our responsibility to dismantle it.
4. Gender Stereotypes Hurt Everyone.
   Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once said, “The problem with gender is that it prescribes how we should be rather than recognizing how we are.” Society imposes rigid definitions of what it means to be a man or a woman. If my son wants to pursue interests typically deemed feminine, like cooking or dancing, that should be celebrated, not criticized. Colors shouldn’t dictate identity; blue and pink are just colors. I’ll raise my son to embrace his passions and interests without worrying about societal gender norms. I want him to be confident in who he is and to reject the idea that he must conform to someone else’s standards.

In conclusion, raising our sons as feminists is not just beneficial for girls and women—it’s vital for creating a world where everyone can thrive. To learn more about home insemination and related topics, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, and if you’re curious about DIY options, visit Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit for a comprehensive guide.

Summary: In conclusion, this piece emphasizes the importance of raising sons to embrace feminism, highlighting how it benefits everyone. By challenging stereotypes, promoting emotional expression, and teaching consent, we can empower the next generation to create a more equitable world.