Princess, its hard to tell my family a feminist. My brother and my dad just don't get it. They think it means I hate men and that they're inferior and junk. I've been trying to correct them, but its not getting through. Any ideas?
Personally we would invade their sleep with nightmares for their insolence and disrespect, but we are unsure of what you are capable of.
If you have made several attempts to explain it to them, and correct their misunderstandings yet it is “not getting through” as you say then there may be little you can do. If they refuse to learn, to admit that perhaps they do not know everything about the subject, then their minds will not be open to change no matter how many times you correct them.
We would continue to try, and let them hear the words as well as see the actions. And perhaps they will not be able to ignore the truth forever. They may, however, also become defensive, holding on to their own understanding of the world for personal comfort much like a cornered animal would become most violent.
Sadly, for many men, to understand why feminism is needed they need to associate the oppressive treatment of women to their own personal feelings. Usually by understanding how it relates to them through loved ones, a mother, sister, or daughter for example. Perhaps you can show them how feminism can and has helped you, while preparing to counter any arguments they attempt to show feminism has hurt men by proving the real source of their troubles is the same Patriarchy you yourself fight against.
