I was appalled at the response that Alan Hoffman wrote to Jenny Stepp's article. First off, I do not appreciate your implication that feminism equals being a man-hating, raging lesbian. I believe in equal rights for women, that does not mean that I hate men or am a lesbian. Second, female oppression does exists, and being a man you are less likely to see it, but that does not mean it does not happen.
After all, I am white, I do not always recognize the types of oppression other race groups suffer. That certainly does not mean racial oppression doesn't exists. Third, your argument cannot be backed up. Multiple studies show marriage to benefit men more. They are healthy and live longer. If men do not live in monogamous relationships they can become infected with STDs and are less likely to receive the emotional and mental support that every human needs. In marriage, men are healthier due to better nutrition and attention to their health. Also, they do not have to completely support themselves or their offspring. Men can come home, have their children and themselves taken care of.
In homes now, both parents work, yet chores and parental responsibilities are not equally divided. You seem to imply that it is natural that women should care for children more. Beliefs like that keep women in low-paying, dead-end jobs because they need to be primary care givers.
Wake up! I have not worked this hard to receive my degree to stay at home.
Marriage is oppressive, beginning as a financial contract where women became legal property and even today as society expects women to work full time and be great mothers. I recognize that you are a freshman; I hope that by the end of your time here at Carolina you will be more open minded to other's views and less insulting to the opposite sex.
Good luck.
J. Meyrick Kanady
Senior
