What About Men?: A Feminist Answers the Question

What About Men?: A Feminist Answers the Question by Caitlin Moran

Woman are free to advocate for themselves. Men, however, are often derided as the patriarchy and prevented from taking pride in themselves. in this book, Caitlin Moran points out differences from the life of men and advocates for them. She claims that the "patriarchy" still exists, yet is really only a small percentage of the straight, white men. Most men have significant challenges in society.

Where do women and men separate? From this British point of view, football is a key separator. Young children play together. As they get older, football becomes important for boys. Girls also tend to develop fine motor skills earlier, helping them to outperform in school. Boys tend to focus more on football and beating each other up. Girls are involved with personal relationships with petty feuds, while boys tend to resolve issues quickly with violence and move on. Girls talk about feelings. Girls are concerned with make-up and clothing. Boys just where simple similar clothing. This is likely accurate in the general sense.

Sexuality is an area where there are obvious significant differences. Men have the greater drive. Women often live in fear of being raped. Men live in fear of being falsely accused as a rapist. (Even an unsubstantiated accusation could be devastating.) Women talk about their sexual organs and will have appropriate medical exams. Men typically don't talk to other men about their genitalia. It seems a continuation of a general theme. Women talk. Men get physical.

The book has some interesting generations. However, it also has a significant focus on British men at a particular point in time. Significant time is spent countering "men activists" that are popular at the time. This seems to show that there is a need for a "male" version of feminism. However, a good alternative to the negative male-rights activists is not given.