[cdunne]

If we look at the definition of feminism as equality across genders, then yes, men can make feminist art that depicts their own struggles and attempts for equality. However, while looking at feminist art from the perspective of the movement for women, then I believe that while men may actively support and interpret feminist art, it takes experience to actually create it. Men do not have that specific insight that a woman has into what it is like to be a woman in the feminist art movement or a woman in the art world (which is predominantly dominated by men) in general. Art is indeed freedom of expression. And the stance of a man in the feminist art movement can be powerfully and beautifully put into art. The validity that some people qualify as experience, however may be lacking.

[cdunne]

I think that there is a lack of education about men in the feminist movement because there is an unfortunate stigma surrounding what “feminism” truly means. The definition of feminism means equality for all across all races and genders, however the root of the word and the negative histories and connotations associated with previous incidents have made it a word and concept that people now fear. Prior to educating myself on the matter, I too assumed that the feminist movement was headed solely by women and directed at men in an aggressive form. Only in the past year has it been more acceptable and possible for men to join in the movement. Emma Watson put it beautifully in her speech to the UN: feminism is not a matter of demonizing any group; its not about men or women but rather the balance and equality between them. Men haven’t been recognized because their struggles were never acknowledged.

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