In a recent uproar, a 25-year-old columnist named Mark Thompson, who has self-identified as an authority on narrow-minded ideologies, boldly claimed he will never date a feminist. In his article, he dismissively states that women have been misled about issues like the wage gap, campus rape culture, and systemic oppression. His reasoning, however, is riddled with misconceptions and a lack of understanding.
Thompson links to various YouTube videos from the American Enterprise Institute, a questionable think tank with ties to the previous administration, which has previously faced scrutiny for funding biased research. He even cites a Business Insider article highlighting that 1.3 million women in the U.S. earn over $110,000 annually, ignoring the fact that women as a whole earn a median income of $36,000. Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research indicates that true pay equality won’t be achieved until 2058—well after humans are expected to have set foot on Mars in 2030 and developed 3D-printed human hearts by 2025.
When it comes to the issue of rape culture, Thompson seems to believe that asking for safety is an unreasonable demand. The troubling statistics indicate that 80-90% of rapes go unreported, and projections suggest that one in three American women will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.
Having worked at a university, I’ve participated in several discussions on consent with incoming students. The goal was to clarify that explicit permission is necessary in all sexual situations. If someone cannot respond, or does not verbally agree, that should not be interpreted as consent. “Yes” means “yes,” and anything else should be taken as a “no.”
During these sessions, some individuals who share Thompson’s views pushed back against the statistics, portraying themselves as victims. They shared anecdotes of friends who faced legal consequences because their partner didn’t verbally oppose their advances—yet I never heard one of them say that the woman had said “yes.” This highlights a pervasive misunderstanding: silence does not equal consent.
Tragically, many women in the room remained quiet, listening to men who struggle with the fundamental concept of mutual respect and consent. Thompson’s article only serves to reinforce inequality and the false narrative that feminism is about hating men, rather than advocating for equal rights, safety, and opportunities for women.
It’s clear that Thompson lacks a grasp on the real issues at play. Is it that he cannot empathize with women’s experiences? Does he disregard the extensive research that contradicts his claims? Or is it simply that he is unable to comprehend the necessity of treating all individuals, regardless of gender, with equality?
Feminism should not be something to fear. Perhaps Thompson’s fear stems from the notion that a woman might say “no” if he ever dared to ask for consent. Or maybe he worries that as gender equality progresses, he will have to compete with qualified women for opportunities that he believes should be his by default.
The more I read his article, the more it becomes evident that he may be too young and inexperienced to understand the realities of inequality. Maybe he’s never witnessed the struggles of a single mother, working tirelessly to provide for her children after being abandoned. Or perhaps he’s never comforted a young woman who has endured an assault, too frightened to report it.
This lack of awareness is alarming. Many who share Thompson’s mindset simply haven’t encountered the harsh truths of inequality. They resist acknowledging that their experiences as privileged individuals do not reflect the reality for everyone. They remain blind to the fact that women, too, deserve equal opportunities in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—a right that should not be exclusive to men like Thompson.
In closing, I would recommend that Thompson consider dating a feminist (if one would have him). It might compel him to confront his fears and reevaluate his views on life and equality. Understanding that everyone deserves the same opportunities could be a transformative experience for him.
For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post. If you’re interested in at-home insemination options, Cryobaby offers reliable kits that can assist you on your journey. Additionally, the American Pregnancy Association provides excellent resources for those navigating the world of donor insemination.
Summary
Mark Thompson’s recent declaration of never dating a feminist has sparked a necessary conversation about the realities of gender inequality, the wage gap, and rape culture. His lack of understanding reflects a broader issue of ignorance surrounding feminism, which advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women. It’s vital to acknowledge these issues and encourage open dialogue to foster understanding and empathy.
Leave a Reply