Hello, brothers! If you identify as a man in the year 2024, and even partially believe patriarchy has your best interest at heart, I implore you to consider this message!
Are you tired of being bullied by your so-called friends?
Are you tired of being body-shamed?
Are you tired of not being able to fully express yourself?
Are you sad that you can’t cry on your brother’s shoulder?
Are you mad that you can’t explore your sexuality without being harassed?
Are you mad that no matter how hard you work, you’re still unhappy?
If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, well, there’s a reason for this. These issues are the result of generations and generations of a dumpster fire social system called, “The Patriarchy.”
Now, I know you may have been told in passing and by society that men are “natural leaders” and that the Male God created MAN in HIS Perfect image. Remember that religion is made by people, God has no gender, and scientifically, all men come from females, right. Just like 1 + 1 = 2.
The patriarchy is not good for anyone, even men. Although the history of the social system is long and manifests in different ways in different societies, it ultimately demands that men dehumanize themselves to live up to its ideals. Like a beauty standard, the ideal patriarch is not only unrealistic and full of contradictions, but also impossible to achieve.
If this system supposedly aligns with “human nature,” why does it 1) need to be violently upheld and 2) continuously fail men? If the patriarchy was so natural, men wouldn’t need to pay women less money for equal work, or suppress their rights, or resort to violence against them when they feel intimidated. If the patriarchy actually did what it claims to do, which is always unclear, men wouldn’t be so emotionally repressed, angry, and unfulfilled.
The patriarchy may seem like a good idea in theory, but it actually disables and destroys men. Boys are too often taught from a young age to suppress their feelings, and be hypersexual and heterosexual. Boys' needs often go unmet in the classroom and in their friendships, and they are taught that their individual aspirations outside of labor don’t matter. They are told that they are entitled to the attention and bodies of women which is false and problematic, and they are more likely to die by suicide. Look up all these stats! The patriarchy is not good for anyone.
If you want a glimpse into the outcome of the patriarchy, look no further than Donald Trump and his loser supporters. And all these other pathetic and sad fascists. People have been drawn to Dump because he aligns with The Patriarchy and its bastard byproducts, racism and white nationalism. Is that your King? Is being a 3x failed businessman, babbling idiot, and disgraced rapist who has never known genuine love in a day in his life what you want for your life? Really understand this and sit with this.
You may be thinking, well how can I escape this? The patriarchy is everywhere. Yes it is, but you can start internally. Re-examine your relationship with yourself, your friends, and the women around you. Grab you a journal, and ask yourself, do these patriarchal ideals I’ve internalized serve my highest good? Do my friends have my best interest at heart? Am I misdirecting my anger with the patriarchy towards the women around? What steps can I take to make positive change in my life? Look at this free therapy you’re getting! You’re welcome.
All in all, women cannot dismantle the patriarchy by ourselves. It takes the bravery of men to change the way they relate to themselves and others and to stand up against this violent ideology that harms us all. Y’all can do it! We believe in you.
If you enjoyed this work and want to help further dismantle the patriarchy, support this Black woman-owned business via Cash App $btspress or by purchasing/donating copies of "Adventures with the Funk Haus Band" available also on this website.
Best,
Jacqueline BG
Founder, Break the Seal Press