"Men are Still Wrong" by Cynthia Heimel

Literature Appreciation

My girlfriend and I dressed in pink as we joined the throngs of people at the local theatre to watch Greta Gerwig's Barbie. The film, a box-office smash, evoked nostalgia as it reminded me of my younger years while also highlighting feminism front and center. In Barbieland, a women-centered utopia, Ken dolls are rendered useless until Ken witnesses the real world's patriarchy and returns with that ideology to rename Barbieland as Kenland.

Coincidentally, I stumbled upon an article by Cynthia Heimel from the August 1994 issue of Playboy titled "Wrong Again." In her column, she addresses the ongoing tension between feminism and the male backlash against it. She observes the ever-shifting nature of the backlash from feminism to a male backlash against feminism, followed by a feminist backlash against the male backlash, and now a perceived male backlash against the feminist backlash. Cynthia expresses frustration with this cycle of blame and whining, which only fuels the frustration between the sexes and perpetuates conflict.

Cynthia highlights a new trend in feminism, an anti-victim feminism, which rejects victimhood and emphasizes personal empowerment and action. While she acknowledges that there are genuine victims among both men and women, she criticizes the blame game and suggests focusing on punishing whiners rather than actual victims. She urges praise for those who rise above abuse and oppression and fight back against their oppressors.

She points out the irony that men and women essentially desire the same thing: more equal and modern relationships free from traditional gender roles, "There is a fabulous irony in this battle between men and women. We are on the same side." Both genders face their own grievances—men feeling used and financially drained, and women facing discrimination, inequality, and objectification.

For progress to happen, Cynthia argues that both men and women must make sacrifices. Men should let go of control in relationships and workplaces to allow women to become equal partners. Women, on the other hand, should stop manipulating men and demanding material things, while also taking on equal responsibilities and opportunities.

"We all want it both ways. It won't work. We must make sacrifices... We must be prepared to shoulder equal burdens or sacrifice all rights to equal opportunities. If a mate demands that we impersonate an inflatable doll, just say "Get a grip."

Fast-forwarding thirty years, it is evident that we are still grappling with feminism and equality of the sexes. Sadly, some individuals resort to extreme actions, like a political pundit who, as a grown man, purchased Barbie dolls just to set them on fire in a misguided attempt to criticize the movie as being "woke."

Source:

Cynthia Heimel. Wrong Again. Playboy Magazine. August 1994. vol. 41, no. 8

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/internet-roasting-ben-shapiro-hate-watching-barbie-dressed-ken-rcna95843