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Human Interest Story-Jessica Speese
Human Interest Story-Jessica Speese
I think its problematic not necessarily by nature but once something goes out, and gets turned
into a hashtag, anyone can use it whether theyre using it correctly with the original intention or
not.
Satire is a common and increasingly popular platform to demonstrate problems with society.
Comedians like John Stewart use satire and humor to make social commentary on popular news
stories. I often joke that standup comedians are usually just sociologists with really good
delivery, says Dr. Finch.
The problem with using comedy for social commentary is that because humor is subjective, it
doesnt always translate across the board.
Feminists have always been accused of taking things too seriously. One tweet put out by the
account said that if feminists were threatened by jokes then theyre not the strong, independent
women they claim to be. Many of the backlash from Meninists claim that women need to learn to
take a joke. Dr. Finch says that she thinks that can be true but at the end of the day when
feminism has been around for so long and we still have a palpable wage gap and women
experiencing domestic violence at alarmingly higher rates than men, its hard to laugh at those
jokes when those serious structural inequalities still exist.
There are growing concerns that the followers of this group are using Twitter to reinforce the
negative stereotypes of feminism. Most of the jokes that are put out paint all feminists as radicals
and extremists.
Sophomore Literature major, Erin OLeary, said that belittling the feminist movement to make it
seem too radical makes people fear it. While she says she doesnt think the group could actually
infringe on womens rights, she thinks that the jokes make a mockery of basic rights that women
need.
Because Meninism isnt being used of its intended purpose, some men feel that the group
tarnishes all mens rights groups.
Senior Hospitality and Tourism major, Dan Fitzgerald, doesnt align himself with the group, but
said that there are legitimate mens rights groups out there to serve the purpose of building men
up without suppressing women. He said, The Art of Manliness blog recognizes that most men
and women are fundamentally different and then celebrates those differences that make men the
perfect complement to women.
Fitzgerald said that just like feminism, extremists have altered the publics perception on the
Meninist movement.
Because feminism has splintered into separate groups, the reactions to this group have also been
splintered.
Some feminists say that the creation of this group has started conversations on feminism and
inequality, which leaves room for debate and improvement. While much of the content is
produced by Meninists who attack strong women, the inequality is still being addressed.
Dr. Finch says that even if the original purpose of the group isnt being served, and people claim
its not to be taken seriously, the movement still needs to be addressed.
Moving forward for any kind of equality for men and women, youre going to have to embrace
all of those voices and get them on the same page, said Finch. The outdated idea of battle of
the sexes doesnt need to be the continued prevailing discourse.