One such critic is Clementine Ford, who said 'In her address, Watson wondered "How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?" she asked, before going on to officially extend a formal invite to men to make gender equality their issue too.' 'These are not facts that exist because men have thus far been "denied" entry into feminist debate and activism. They won't disappear "naturally" when men are empowered to be sensitive.' (Emma Watson speech hardly a gamechanger)
I can understand Ms Ford feels frustrated. She seems to be right. It seems logical that men have never been locked out of gender equality issues. After all, they could just speak out anytime. However, many decent men who respect women feel they are locked out of the debate. They are not locked out by feminists themselves, but by pervasive sexism. Heterosexual men who believe in gay rights don't want to speak out for homosexuals because of homophobia. In a similar manner, men who believe in gender equality don't want to speak out for women because of sexism. Emma Watson's speech itself will not have changed any sexist man into a feminist. But what is has done is encourage men who already consider themselves feminists to join the campaign. And this reaction by men has pushed the idea of feminism into the minds of men who might be afraid to speak out for women. It has pushed the idea of feminism into the minds of young women who wouldn't call themselves feminists.
She has given feminism a huge boost. Why? Well, feminism is in desperate need of rebranding. Most women refuse to identify as feminists, and the same goes for men. It is depressing to admit it, but feminism needs a female celebrity adored by the world to dress up in a cool outfit and give a feel-good speech that doesn't actually blame men for any violent atrocities committed against women.
She has given feminism a huge boost. Why? Well, feminism is in desperate need of rebranding. Most women refuse to identify as feminists, and the same goes for men. It is depressing to admit it, but feminism needs a female celebrity adored by the world to dress up in a cool outfit and give a feel-good speech that doesn't actually blame men for any violent atrocities committed against women.
Because the world is still sexist, we need men to join the debate.
