Feminism and Right to Ride
Mahmudul Hasan Utshaw ।।
Women are not the only victims of the patriarchal system. Men are also victims of it. Inequality between men and women is noticeable from the highest to the lowest strata of society. So, in my eyes, feminism gives the impression of something positive. It must be said that the goal of feminism is not to make women better than men, but to provide equality between men and women. The right to vote, to establish opinions, to have an equal share in the property – in these cases feminism has established women’s rights. Humanism alone could not do this. So, don’t let humanism stand as an alternative to feminism.
I am aware of women’s rights because my mother and sister are always victims of this patriarchal system. Therefore, my involvement in the feminist movement is not a special issue. I have a responsibility as a man when my sister is sexually abused at work, harassed by a bad boy on the street. Even, I have the responsibility not only to my sister but to every girl.
In the twentieth century, religious fundamentalism has been wreaking new havoc. Christians have become much more tolerant. They also carried out violence. Female mathematician Hypatia was cut to pieces and burned at the stake. Whenever I talk to a female mathematician or a female teacher, I think of Hypatia. They killed a Hypatia, but, in the end, millions of Hypatia have arisen. The causal principle of nature equates everything like a two-way reaction.
At present, feminism is being criticized for some meaningless issues, such as the right to smoke cigarettes, the right to ride a bike. In my opinion, these issues are not the subject of discussion. Who smokes cigarettes, who slept with whom – the discussion of these meaningless issues concludes nothing. However, we should read world literature, scientific research, philosophy to do better argument on all these things.
It is not clear where we are going. We are all living in concentration camps. Some group of people have set our boundaries. What we read, what we write, what we discuss, it’s all in their hands. Whenever we try to get out of the boundaries, we have to suffer the consequences of Hypatia or Giordano Bruno.
It is time to think about how feminism is being raised in society. Feminism does not mean sleeveless blouse, big Tip on forehead or bob hair. Feminism does not mean to go against the men. Feminism is against the patriarchal system. It is important to give another message that, all men are not misogynistic. Apart from a patriarchal society, there is also a matriarchal society in the world. For example, women are the main authority in Garo society. Therefore, the idea of feminists who label all men in the world as misogynists is completely wrong.
I don’t like to dream. But, I like to be hopeful for something good. I imagine a society where everyone will get equal treatment and rights. The girls will get rid of all doubts and will sing with joy; they will be mathematicians like Hypatia, Chancellor like Angela Merkel and Prime Minister like Sheikh Hasina.
(The views and opinions expressed by the writers are those of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Feminist Factor)
