In a recent viral post, 25-year-old columnist and self-proclaimed expert on ignorance, Jake Rivers, declared he would never date a feminist. In his piece, he boldly claims that women have been misled about a wage gap (which he disputes), a culture of sexual assault on college campuses (also disagreed), and the notion that patriarchy oppresses women in nearly every aspect of life (a strong disagreement).
Rivers included links to YouTube content from the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank previously funded by ExxonMobil and known for its ties to the Bush administration. This organization has been criticized for offering compensation for articles that downplay climate change. He also referenced a Business Insider article highlighting that 1.3 million women in the U.S. earn over $110,000 a year, failing to acknowledge that there are 157 million women in the country, many earning a median income of just $36,000. According to a 2015 study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, it will take until 2058 for women to achieve pay parity with men—a timeline that stretches well beyond the predicted human landing on Mars in 2030 and the anticipated production of a human heart with a 3D printer by 2025.
The Reality of Rape Culture
On the topic of rape culture, Rivers seems to believe that a woman’s request for safety is unreasonable. Disturbingly, statistics reveal that 80-90% of sexual assaults go unreported, with projections indicating that 1 in 3 American women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
As someone who has worked at a university, I participated in multiple discussions about consent with incoming freshmen. The objective was to clarify that explicit permission is essential in sexual encounters and that a lack of response does not equate to consent, regardless of clothing, alcohol consumption, or behavior at a party. “Yes” must mean “yes,” and anything else should be interpreted as “no.”
During these discussions, several individuals reminiscent of Rivers argued against established statistics, portraying themselves as victims of false claims by women. They shared anecdotes involving friends who faced legal consequences despite the absence of a clear “yes” from their partners. Unfortunately, the women present often remained silent, listening to the men who struggled to grasp the fundamental concept of seeking permission.
The Misconception of Feminism
Rivers’ comments only serve to deepen the issues of inequality and perpetuate the misconception that feminism is about hating men. In reality, feminism advocates for equal rights, safety, and opportunities for women. It’s evident that Rivers fails to understand this fundamental principle.
What exactly is it that Rivers doesn’t comprehend? Is it the lack of empathy for the lived experiences of women? Or perhaps it’s a refusal to accept the wealth of data that contradicts his beliefs? Or is it simply that he cannot fathom the importance of treating all individuals with equality, regardless of gender? Feminism should not be feared. If anything, it suggests a reluctance to confront the possibility that a woman might decline his advances if he were to ask for a kiss.
As I read Rivers’ article, it became clear that he may lack the life experience to recognize the realities of inequality. Maybe he has never witnessed the struggles of a single mother, like my own, who faced financial hardship after my father abandoned us. She worked tirelessly to support three children, juggling multiple jobs to provide for us. Perhaps he has never comforted a survivor of sexual assault who feared reporting their trauma, or looked into the eyes of a daughter and worried about whether she could achieve her dreams due to the persistent wage gap.
The Broader Picture
The core issue with Rivers and others who hold similar views is a lack of exposure to the broader picture. They often refuse to acknowledge that their experiences as privileged individuals do not represent the realities faced by many women. Recognizing that hard-working women deserve equal opportunities is crucial to fostering a fair society.
Jake Rivers, I would recommend considering dating a feminist (if one would have you) because it could encourage you to reflect on your fears and your place in a society striving for equality.
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Conclusion
In summary, the discourse surrounding feminism and equality remains critical in today’s society. The voices of those advocating for women’s rights are vital in challenging outdated perspectives and promoting understanding.