In a recent viral post, 25-year-old columnist and self-proclaimed expert on narrow-mindedness, Jake Foster, boldly announced that he will never date a feminist. In his declaration, he dismisses various feminist issues, claiming women have been misled about the wage gap, college campus rape culture, and the patriarchy’s role in their oppression.
Foster cites videos from the American Enterprise Institute, a controversial think tank with ties to the Bush administration, known for its questionable funding sources. He also references a Business Insider article that highlights a mere 1.3 million women earning over $110,000 annually—an insignificant figure when compared to the 157 million women in the U.S. with a median income of $36,000. According to a 2015 study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women won’t achieve pay equality with men until 2058, long after the anticipated human landing on Mars in 2030 and the advent of 3D-printed human hearts in 2025.
The Reality of Sexual Assault
When it comes to the topic of sexual assault, Foster expresses that asking for a woman’s safety is excessive. The alarming reality is that 80-90% of rapes go unreported, and projections indicate that 1 in 3 American women will face sexual assault in their lifetime. As someone who works at a university, I recently facilitated discussions on consent with incoming freshmen to underscore the importance of explicit permission in sexual relationships. During these sessions, some individuals resembling Foster argued against the statistics, portraying themselves as victims and suggesting deceit among women. Yet, I never heard them mention an actual “yes,” instead relying on the notion of silent consent, which is not consent at all.
Unfortunately, many women in these discussions remained silent, listening to men like Foster, who seem to struggle with the fundamental act of seeking permission. His comments only serve to perpetuate the cycle of inequality and rape culture while reinforcing the myth that feminism is about hating men rather than advocating for women’s rights to equal pay, safety, and opportunities.
Understanding Feminism
Clearly, Foster fails to comprehend the essence of feminism. Is it that he lacks empathy for women’s experiences, or is it that he cannot reconcile the overwhelming data with his narrow viewpoint? Perhaps he fears that if he were to engage with a feminist, it would force him to confront his insecurities, like the possibility of being rejected or competing with women in the workplace.
The more I read Foster’s article, the more I see a young man who has yet to grasp the realities of inequality. He may not have witnessed the struggles of single mothers or provided support to young victims of assault, nor has he likely considered the future of his own daughter in a world still rife with wage gaps.
The root of Foster’s close-mindedness seems to stem from a lack of exposure to the broader spectrum of experiences. He may not want to acknowledge that the playing field is far from level and that hardworking women deserve a fair chance at success, just like him.
Perhaps dating a feminist would help Foster confront his fears and gain a better understanding of equality, realizing that everyone deserves the same opportunities he enjoys.
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In summary, Jake Foster’s misguided views reflect a deeper issue of misunderstanding feminism and the realities of gender inequality. His declaration has inadvertently highlighted the importance of advocating for women’s rights and the need for open dialogue about these critical issues.