A common question I’ve heard in response to feminism theory classes is, “Where are the masculine theory classes?” Obviously this question is usually asked by males, who I can only hope are joking.
However, many males are serious — they feel as if they’re being discriminated against. The National Coalition For Men (yes, that actually exists) responded to a State Press opinion column last semester on the unequal balance of rights between males and females. The group contests the argument that men don’t face equal discrimination.
The NCFM cites an alleged “rampant discrimination against men in sports scholarships” occurring in the NCAA, discrimination in domestic violence cases (which they note makes crime data unreliable), and a denial of equal parenting rights.
That must be really difficult for the males out there to cope with.
While some females are currently worrying about the availability of birth control and their right to get an abortion (even in the case of rape), you guys have to worry about diminishing football and basketball scholarships, and finding some sort of way to wear the pants in the relationship.
Now, I’ve never identified myself as a feminist — partly because I find most extreme feminists to be somewhat terrifying — however, I am for equal rights for both males and females. The recent legislation and overall discussion on the matter has focused only on regulating female health.
For example, the birth control hearing that took place on Capitol Hill in February. The panel consisted of middle-aged men debating the fate of women’s health, which makes as much sense as having a housewife referee the Super Bowl.
Ohio House Bill 125 states that women would not be able to receive an abortion six weeks after conception. However, Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, has introduced her own bill that would also regulate men’s heath. Senate Bill 307 would mandate all males seeking a prescription for Viagra or other drugs for erectile dysfunction “see a sex therapist, have a cardiac stress test, and obtain a notarized affidavit signed by a sexual partner…”
The average age of males who are prescribed Viagra is 40 to mid-50s. The male birth control panel would definitely feel the effects of this one. But hey, as Rick Santorum would say, make good out of a bad situation, right?
But is the argument fair just because the girls are getting back at the boys? If you ask me, it seems more like revenge. Each side is proposing unjust and unrealistic regulations. It’s 2012, not 1950 — women should have free and easy access to birth control, just as men should have easy access to Viagra. There is no need to regulate or ban these drugs.
All we can do is prepare ourselves for the cruel and awkward regulations we’re placing on each other.
And for men, I can only imagine how much worse it’s about to get for you. There’s only so far you can push women before we completely retaliate. After all, we really do wear the pants in the relationship.
Reach the columnist at obrunaci@asu.edu
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