As a participant in this past weekend’s Coed@40 events, I realized I was in a unique position as one of the few males in attendance. While the events were largely centered on the celebration of coeducation, I started thinking more broadly about why males on campus are typically less likely to participate in constructive conversations about gender on campus, particularly those hosted by groups like Feminism is Equality (F=E) and Women’s Forum. Males, whether they realize it or not, are part of the problem, often inadvertently propagating sexism through microaggressions and stereotypes. When, at these discussions, men are forced to confront their male privilege and associated beliefs, however, they often feel attacked and shrink away from further participation. This becomes a cycle in which male students, fearing backlash if they publicly express opposing viewpoints at events like F=E forums, simply stop attending such events. Males feel that their opinions will not be taken seriously and that productive discussion will be reduced to one-sided, circular arguments. The problem is that centuries of institutional sexism have placed today’s males in the role of the “oppressors” and females in the role of the “oppressed.” This is by no means to say that all men, or even most men, are sexist or misogynistic, but that in general, females face more obstacles to becoming emotionally, academically and socially successful than their male counterparts. Generally, feminist organizations on campus should work to create a space that is inclusive towards men and where they can openly share their opinion, but where they can also be made aware of sexist beliefs and actions that are perhaps unintentional. On the other hand, male students should feel obligated to attend forums and other events on gender. Men should not avoid topics related to feminism simply because they feel that it is does not apply to them or that they will be judged for their beliefs. Male participation is crucial to solving issues of sexism and misogyny on campus and, in the larger world, because the very concepts of “male” and “female” are relative, existing in terms of each other. It is important that all Andover students, not just females, understand issues of gender. With such understanding, we will grow up to be active members, and perhaps even leaders, of diverse communities consisting of women and men. By attending discussions about gender-related issues with an open mind, male students would be able to confront their privilege as well as relate topics and scenarios brought up in the discussion to their own experiences. Faculty should also encourage males to attend such events and bring up discussions in their classes or advising groups about certain issues. Gradually, yet effectively, Andover would help create a more gender-conscious student body.
