WHY IS THERE NO MEN'S HISTORY MONTH?

 

This is a question you may hear echoed about this month. Here is why we have a designated Women's History Month:

​

• Everyday life is already full of events, names, and images that commemorate things men have done. From our currency to entertainment awards, men's achievements are often widely taught and celebrated. 

• The history we learn is basically “men’s history” by default, and general history lessons already overemphasize men’s accomplishments.

• In the past, men have often gotten recognition and credit for women's achievements, such as the men who were credited with the discovery of DNA when in reality Rosalind Franklin was responsible for the research that determined DNA's unique double helix shape.

• For centuries, men have had significantly more power than women, from legal to social power. 
   

It is important to remember that when people complain about the lack of a "men's history month," it’s their way of ignoring the fact that inequality still exists. Recognizing that inequality is uncomfortable, so some people would rather view themselves as left out than see the larger picture of systemic injustice.

​

WHAT IS "WOMXN" AND WHY DO I SEE IT USED SOMETIMES?

​

The term "womxn" is an alternative spelling of the word "woman." The term "womxn" has been adopted by various organizations, including student university groups, who call it more inclusive of trans and nonbinary people than other alternative spellings. Conversely, the use of "womxn" as a gender-inclusive alternative to woman has also been criticized for having the transphobic implication that trans women are not women, but rather require a separate category. When we use it here at CUC, we use it to be inclusive of gender-fluid or nonbinary individuals who identify with the idea of womanhood but do not call themselves "women." 

​

WHAT IS FEMINISM?

​

Feminism is the political and social movement based on the belief that people of all sexes and genders should be equal. It does not suggest that women are better than men, or deserve more rights, but rather states that everything should be equal for everyone.

​

HOW DOES FEMINISM HELP MEN?

​

Men are often harmed by women's inequality. For instance, men aren't often allowed to freely express their emotions, experience companionable touch with their friends, or be a stay-at-home father without judgement and criticism. This also stems to larger, more dangerous issues, such as the fact that men struggle to be believed when reporting sexual violence despite the fact that 1 out of every 10 rape victims are male. Feminism takes away the negative stigma from "feminine" traits and problems, allowing men to live fuller, freer lives. 

​

DO TRANSWOMEN COUNT AS WOMEN?

​

Absolutely. While there are some forms of feminism that exclude transwomen (referred to as TERFs), we recognize that womanhood is an identity that anyone is welcome to share in, and that there are no benefits to gatekeeping it. Being a woman is who you are in your mind and spirit, and if your body does not align with that at birth, it is okay to make adjustments to become more of your authentic self. At CUC, we support transwomen 100%.