The rise of feminism has undeniably been a powerful force for social change, revealing much about our societal structures and how gender roles function.
Its global impact has been profound, revolutionizing how we think about gender and view humanity as a whole.
One example of this impact is the growing recognition that women often outperform men in academic settings. We're also learning that on average, female leaders show significantly better outcomes than their male counterparts.
This is a positive development for society, one that we would never have known if the classroom and further opportunities were never open to women.
The more you look at it, the more you realize that this is emboldened by the fact that over the past three decades, there has been a deliberate effort to empower women, which is commendable.
However, (and I promise I do not know how to be more politically correct about this), this movement, while an undeniable force for good, has left many men lost in a landscape where traditional definitions of masculinity feel increasingly obsolete.
It is concerning when you consider foremost that this empowerment seems to come at the expense of men. While I can't guarantee the exact ratio, it's understandable to question how targeted initiatives favour women more than men (by a huge margin).
Traditionally, men have been expected to take on the role of "head of the family" and society. However, it's worth asking: what in our upbringing truly prepares us for this role? Our experiences in school? At home? Church? The internet?
None. At. All.
So you will find that a lot of men in my generation are "hollow shells" who do not know their left from their right. And I am finding a worrying trend too, that women with enviable, quality specs are finding it extremely difficult to land an at least "correct" man.
This wasn't always as difficult. In previous generations, with more clearly defined gender roles, the path seemed clearer.
But what is the place of the man in today's gender-equal society?
Certainly, it's not simply about contributing financially to a two-income household. And it's also not opening doors or doing gentlemanly things. Because saa edwuma no mekraa magyae. Gyes3 wo y3 me babe, me maame anaa me boss.
As a Christian man, this question of the "head of the household" in a gender-equal society presents a conundrum. On one hand, I deeply believe in empowering women. In fact, much of my personal growth has been thanks to the influence of strong, empowered women. And that has given me the level-headedness I boast now.
Yet, on the other hand, there's a lingering question about my role as a man. Does the concept of "head of the household" become purely symbolic in a truly equal society?
Perhaps the issue lies not in the changing roles themselves but in the lack of open dialogue about them. Because of a fear of political correctness, there is general reluctance among men to share their thoughts, experiences, and emotions.
Yes, it's true, I acknowledge my perspective is limited, shaped by personal experiences and potentially skewed by generalizations. I may be in the minority, but I believe open dialogue is crucial in navigating these societal shifts.
And so, I'm here to spark a thought and ask society questions. This is a question I have asked severally in different forms. Who is a 21st-century man?
