In a recent outburst, a 25-year-old columnist named Jake Trent made waves with his bold proclamation that he will never date a feminist. His article went viral, and while he may have intended to make a statement, many feminists exhaled a sigh of relief. In his piece, Jake dismisses various feminist concerns, claiming that the wage gap is a myth, that the notion of a rape culture on college campuses is exaggerated, and that the concept of patriarchy is simply untrue.
He references a few dubious sources, including videos from the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank with questionable funding and ties to certain political agendas. He even cites an article from a business site to highlight that 1.3 million women in the U.S. earn over $110,000 annually, as if this statistic means anything in the context of the 157 million women in the country, most of whom earn a median income of just $36,000. To add some perspective, a study from 2015 by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research indicates that women won’t achieve pay parity with men until 2058. That’s a long time from now, especially when we think about upcoming technological advances like sending humans to Mars by 2030!
Rape Culture and Consent
Jake also shares his views on rape culture, suggesting that women asking for safety is an unreasonable demand. The stark reality is that 80-90% of rapes go unreported, and current projections estimate that 1 in 3 American women will face sexual assault at some point in their lives.
As someone who works at a university, I’ve participated in numerous discussions on consent, aimed at making sure young people understand that “yes” means “yes.” Sadly, in these discussions, individuals akin to Jake often argue against the importance of consent, claiming victimhood instead. They recount tales of friends who faced legal consequences from misunderstandings, yet never seem to mention any affirmative consent. It’s troubling that these conversations often leave women in the room silent, overshadowed by the loud and misguided opinions of men who, like Jake, struggle to grasp the fundamental concept of respect and equality.
The Misunderstanding of Feminism
Jake’s article only serves to bolster inequality and perpetuate the false narrative that feminism is about hating men, when in reality it’s a movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women. It’s clear he misses the point—perhaps he lacks empathy for women’s lived experiences, struggles with understanding data that contradicts his views, or simply can’t comprehend the idea of treating everyone equally, regardless of gender.
Instead of fearing feminism, he might benefit from engaging with feminist ideas and understanding that equality doesn’t threaten him; it enriches our society. Perhaps he fears that if women gain equal footing, he might have to compete with them for opportunities, including his job as a columnist.
A Call for Reflection
As I reflect on Jake’s views, it seems he may just be too young and inexperienced to grasp the realities of inequality. His closing plea, suggesting that we should appreciate the differences between genders instead of trying to eliminate them, is misguided. Really, who finds wage gaps and a rampant culture of assault romantic?
It’s likely that Jake hasn’t witnessed the struggles many women face firsthand, like the single mother working multiple jobs to support her family or the college student too afraid to report her assault. Until he understands that feminism is about ensuring opportunities, safety, and respect for everyone, he’ll remain in a bubble of ignorance.
Jake, I suggest you consider dating a feminist (if one would even entertain the idea) because it may lead you to reflect on your fears and challenge your perceptions. Understanding the struggles of others could open your eyes to the importance of equality for all.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, Jake Trent’s declaration against dating feminists highlights a troubling ignorance about gender equality and women’s rights. His views reflect a lack of understanding of the fundamental issues surrounding feminism, and a need for growth in empathy and awareness.