In a recent viral post, 25-year-old columnist and self-proclaimed authority on closed-mindedness, Jake Foster, declared his refusal to date feminists. In his piece, he dismisses key feminist issues, stating that women have been misled about the wage gap (which he denies), the prevalence of rape culture on college campuses (also denied), and the existence of patriarchy that oppresses women (he “really, really disagrees”).
Foster backs his claims with dubious links to videos from the American Enterprise Institute—a not-so-reputable think tank known for its ties to past big oil funding and questionable research practices. He also cites a Business Insider article highlighting that 1.3 million women in the U.S. earn over $110,000, as if that statistic somehow negates the reality of the 157 million women in the country earning a median income of $36,000. A 2015 study from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research indicates that women won’t achieve pay equity with men until 2058, which is a long wait—far longer than the anticipated human landing on Mars in 2030 or the arrival of 3D-printed human hearts by 2025.
On the subject of rape culture, Foster seems to believe that a woman’s request for safety is excessive. The stark stats reveal that between 80-90% of rapes go unreported, and current trends suggest that 1 in 3 American women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
As someone who works at a university, I’ve participated in multiple discussions about consent with incoming freshmen. These sessions aim to clarify the essential need for explicit permission in sexual situations, emphasizing that silence or ambiguous behavior does not equate to consent. The discussions often see men like Foster arguing against the statistics, painting themselves as victims while ignoring the real experiences of women.
Foster’s proclamation only serves to reinforce inequality and misunderstandings about feminism, which is fundamentally about advocating for women’s rights in pay, safety, and opportunity—not about hating men.
It’s clear that Foster struggles to grasp the complexities of gender equality. Is it a lack of empathy for women’s lived experiences? Or perhaps he fails to understand the significant body of evidence demonstrating systemic inequality? Maybe he fears that as women gain equality, he will have to confront his own insecurities about dating or job competition.
Reading Foster’s article, I can’t help but think he’s too young and naïve to see the real-world implications of inequality. Perhaps he’s never witnessed a single mother juggling multiple jobs to support her family after being abandoned by a partner. He might not have sat with a young woman traumatized after a sexual assault, too afraid to report it. Or maybe he hasn’t looked into his daughter’s eyes and wondered if she’ll be afforded the same opportunities as her male peers given the ongoing wage gap.
Ultimately, Foster and others like him may simply be unaware of the broader experiences beyond their privileged perspectives. They resist recognizing that hardworking women deserve equal opportunities in life, liberty, and happiness, just like every man—including Foster—does.
It might do him some good to consider dating a feminist (if one would entertain the idea). It could be an eye-opening experience that forces him to confront his fears and realize that everyone should have access to the same rights and opportunities he enjoys.
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Summary
Jake Foster’s declaration to avoid dating feminists highlights a lack of understanding of gender equality. His dismissive views on the wage gap, rape culture, and patriarchy reveal a troubling ignorance that perpetuates systemic inequality. Engaging with feminism could broaden his perspective and foster empathy for the challenges women face.