(In response to Richard Cassalata's Jan. 31 Letter to the Editor "Men Deserve Rights, Too.")
To tell the entire female population that we are “brainwashed” and that we have “forgotten about the rights we do have” is an oppressive statement in itself. Let’s start with your first claim, our right to abortion. If you have paid any attention at all you would realize that this right to do what we choose with our body is constantly under attack. Last year there was a bill in Georgia stating that a woman could be held criminally responsible for a miscarriage if the mother could not prove there was no human interaction. By this law, we could be regarded as a criminal for a biological occurrence. But of course, we are not oppressed.
Now, let’s discuss “accepting fatherhood against his will.” Current proposed laws would subject us to undesired parenthood in a detrimental sense. Women are being chained to unwanted and in some cases traumatic pregnancies. You have no idea what pregnancy does to a woman’s body and psyche and to force a woman to go through a pregnancy she is not ready for can change this woman for life. But she has no say in this matter because her government decided that a group of upper class men have more say in what happens within in her body than she does. But we’re not oppressed.
And lastly, domestic violence and in general violence against women is one of the most underreported crimes. Only one quarter of all domestic violence incidents will be reported. Yes, unfortunately domestic violence can target anyone but by belittling these women’s experience you are once again telling women that the horrors we have endured are not worth mentioning. They are not as important as yours. You are reinforcing these ideas and therefore preventing one more woman from seeking help.
Please, think about what you’re saying. Think about the fact that men have always and still continue to dominate this society. Women are constantly fighting to be treated not just as equals but as human beings. Please note that comments like yours exhibit the exact oppression you don’t seem to think exists.
Chelsea Allen
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