Why Can't Feminists and MRA Groups Get Along?

Largely for the same reasons that gazelles and lions can't quite get along. They are two different groups with two very different interests that clash on a regular basis.

Clashing Interests

The simple answer to this question is rooted in the differing interests and mindsets of these two groups. MRA (Men’s Rights Advocacy) groups are generally not interested in genuine issues that affect men, such as prostate cancer or the suicide rates amongst young men. Instead, they are more focused on venting their anger about how they perceive feminists and the changes that women's rights movements have brought about. They often express a desire for a return to a time when they believe women were more compliant and constrained in their roles.

It is not surprising that these groups cannot find common ground given the diametrically opposed interests. The battles for basic autonomy and equality are still being fought, particularly in areas such as reproductive rights and gender equity, which have not been fully won. This ongoing struggle has led to a significant gap in understanding and respect between these two groups.

Exemplification of Hatred

Moreover, MRA groups can be characterized as hating women. Their goals include forsaking basic human rights and reducing women to a state akin to subservience and subjugation. These groups often idealize a bygone era where women were barefoot and pregnant and had no say in their own lives. This outdated notion of female subjugation is a pipe dream, as the Emancipation Proclamation already acknowledged that men and women alike are free human beings, not slaves.

MRAs are not just misguided; they are delusional hate groups. Their actions, often aimed at dismantling any progress towards gender equality, place them in the same category as more sinister organizations such as white-power Neo-Nazis. Their inability to accept and acknowledge the progress made in society is a fundamental obstacle to any meaningful dialogue or understanding.

Perceptions and Misunderstandings

Both sides engage in a cycle of mutual mistrust and misunderstanding. While feminists want to ensure that men also have the same rights and considerations as women, MRA groups often perceive feminists as being anti-men, which is not the case. Many MRA members will never understand the feminist perspective because they assume feminists are against them. This lack of acknowledgment and understanding is a significant barrier to reconciliation.

Feminists, on the other hand, are not anti-men. We recognize the unique challenges that men face and support their rights. A true feminist wants men to have good and rewarding lives and is in favor of men's rights just as they are in favor of women's rights.

Conclusory Statement

Both groups expect the worst from the other, perpetuating a cycle of mistrust and misunderstanding. To achieve a more equitable and just society, it is crucial that these groups find a way to communicate and understand each other's perspectives. Only then can meaningful progress be made in addressing the ongoing issues faced by both men and women.