Is Men’s Rights Activism a Joke?

From time to time, I come across a statement by some individual declaring that Men’s Rights Activism is a joke. Often, the person in question either thinks that men are too individualistic to effect change or that the sociopolitical hurdles male activists face are insuperable. What is my reaction? Complete indifference at best, but usually I just roll my eyes, shake my head, and crack a smile.

If anyone thinks male activism won’t go anywhere, that person is certainly entitled to say as much. However, one who voices such an opinion misses the point by a country mile. No self-proclaimed expert has a crystal ball lucid enough to prognosticate on what men will do. Why? Because the population of Men’s Right Activists is neither static nor monolithic; therefore, no one can fully assess what gains individuals will make in the future. Just because one group fails in its endeavor does not mean those who come along later will likewise fail. Indeed, feminists have not organized themselves under one formal umbrella of governance, and yet they have made greats gains politically and culturally.

The question is not: “Will male activists succeed?” Rather, the question is: “Can men continually afford to be apathetic about their inalienable rights as human beings?” I answer resoundingly in the negative. Therefore, I invite all those who think Men’s Rights Activism won’t go anywhere to find another corner of the playground to blow their soap bubbles. The rest of us have our work cut out for us. Let’s keep educating, informing, organizing, challenging, and fighting for what we know is right.