It's Women's Day, so why am I writing about men? Isn't today meant to honor the women of the world -- to talk about their needs, their rights, etc. Yes, that is the need of the hour, but when we talk about that need, the other half of this island's inhabitants sometimes feels uneasy.
"What does that mean for us? Where will our rights go?" "Will we have to do more housework?" are the fears rumbling in wary men's minds. Feminist Naomi Wolf puts it this way: "Men have a right to fear feminism because it means they'll lose 30 percent of their paycheck and do more housework."
I'd like to offer a different perspective. Men have a world to gain from feminism: a world of brighter, happier, more confident women. Real men should be happy to have these empowered women around them. These women more freely and joyfully contribute their ideas, talents, and passions to this island and to their partners.
Do you really want the stereotypical "flower vase "
As feminism gives women new opportunities and channels to develop an identity, it helps a woman bloom, to be all that she can be. She is free to discover her interests, talents and dreams. She is less dependent on a man to fulfill her every need.
This lesser dependence liberates the man too. He doesn't have to be a woman's chauffeur; she can drive herself around. He needn't accompany her to every movie and event, she has friends of her own. He needn't tell her who to vote for; she has a mind of her own too. She is more complete as an individual. That means she can contribute more to a relationship.
Wouldn't it be better to have an animated, interesting ambitious woman by your side? You can be partners, friends and lovers instead of molding each other into millennium-old gender stereotypes.
And men, feminism can help you can get rid of the burdens heaved on you by this past millennium of patriarchal culture. No need to be so strong all the time -- you may reveal a bit of your humanity, even vulnerability. You can cry, laugh, express regret, sorrow, joy or bliss just like a real human being. No need to conform to the ancient Chinese mold of "manhood."
Now you can relax and be human too. As feminism presses for equality of the sexes, you don't have to take the entire burden of supporting a family -- share that with your wife. For that matter, who cares who makes the greater portion, or even who stays home to be with the kids? If it's all in the family, why don't we all enjoy more flexible options?
No need to use your career position, salary, or the attention of many women to prove your manhood -- show it by your ability to faithfully love one woman. I bet you'll find your life simpler, easier and much happier when you take on these new concepts.
Instead of a battle of the sexes, feminism can be a liberation of the sexes. We can free women and men to be their true selves -- to give all of us room to fully develop our unique personalities and our dignity as human beings. We can all be released from gender stereotypes and enjoy new ways of interacting.
Why do men have to prove their worth through their career and salary? Why do women have to display theirs through beauty?
As we break through gender stereotypes, men and women can value each other as unique individuals rather than through the stiff traditional molds that culture has carved. As the casts are broken, everyone can be free to be a unique individual, with traits both feminine and masculine.
As we learn to truly respect each other, we will be equal partners in relationships. These relationships can be built on mutual love and respect, instead of power and insecurity games. Then, we'll have hope for the next generation to be born into families marked by true love and respect, in a society with equal opportunities for all.
American feminist Jo Freeman once defined feminism as "making the world a better place for women." My definition ends with "and men."
Wouldn't it be wonderful if both the sexes treated each other as valuable individuals -- instead of sex objects, status symbols, meal tickets and other lesser forms of life? Yes, feminism is a chance for an exciting revolution -- a new way of thinking, interacting and being. This great opportunity is not only for women -- but men too.
Natalie Tso is the host of the CBS program"Women in Taiwan."
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