We asked women what ‘meninism’ is

‘Yes, men’s rights matter, but that’s also not the problem’

In the 1960s, the term “feminism” was coined, defined as “the radical notion that women are people.” Four decades later, meninism arose as a response.

Women around the world have a history of oppression and silence that dates back thousands of years. For the past century women have been actively fighting for freedom, both in the home and the public sphere. After millennia, women began demanding rights to education, property, public office and so much more.

We already live in a patriarchy. Men wrote the world’s laws. In some countries, women are still considered property (and in some, they’re still treated as such).

In America, a man’s swimming career is still valued over a woman’s right to her own body. A school’s reputation is more important than helping victims of sexual violence.

I’m a feminist, and biased against meninism, but I was curious to see what other women thought.

Ashley Vecchio, 18, Environmental Studies

“When I think of meninism, I think of the opposite of feminism. Feminism is women’s rights and women’s empowerment, and meninism is, like, the opposite of that because men feel that women are trying to express that they are more important than them rather than equal.”

Cynthia Filpo, 18, Psychology

“I have no idea. I was gonna ask you.”

Jemmy Moreira, 18, Psychology

“Meninism is an idea that men have, that just like women now have a movement, they should have one too.”

Olivia Chase, 18

“I think meninism is the parallel to feminism, meaning the advocacy of men’s rights, although I’m not sure.”

Lauren Gronbeck, 18

“I think it’s the response to feminism because men tend to get scared. They feel that since the women  – you know, we don’t always have equal opportunities – they feel they need something to advocate for.”

Tsejin Bhotia, 18, Undeclared

“Meninism is ignorant men that don’t believe in feminism.”

Amanda Cay, 18, Undecided

“It’s the right of men!”

Liana Irvine, 18, Animal Behavior & Theater

“My idea of meninism is that it’s a pop-culture revolution by men who don’t understand what feminism is for, which I believe is the equality of all genders and all sexualities as well.”

Erin Liffiton, 18, Linguistics

“I think it’s the equivalent of ‘All Lives Matter’, but in response to feminism. Even though it’s not the goal and it’s not needed, it’s the response. Yes, men’s rights matter, but that’s also not the problem.”

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Bucknell University