Equality | The Biggest Threat to Men's Equality Are Men Themselves

Helsinki – A recent opinion piece published in Helsingin Sanomat contends that the primary obstacle to achieving genuine equality for men lies not with external forces, but within the male community itself. The author, Anselmi Liedes, argues that men often perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create pressures that hinder positive masculinity, ultimately undermining the very equality they might seek.

Liedes points to societal expectations that place immense pressure on young men to embody a specific, often rigid, form of masculinity. This pressure, he suggests, is largely directed by other men, who are quick to ridicule or ostracize those who deviate from the norm. This internal policing, he argues, is far more damaging than any external criticism, creating an environment where true self-expression is stifled and diverse forms of male identity are not accepted.

The piece uses the example of mandatory military service, exclusively for men in many countries, as a man-made imposition. It also notes that men are disproportionately both the victims and perpetrators of violence, a pattern that is overwhelmingly driven by male behavior. The author further observes that behaviors like homophobia and the mockery of men who express themselves outside traditional gender norms (such as wearing nail polish) are predominantly exhibited by other men, not women.

Ultimately, Liedes calls for a shift in focus, urging men to look inward and address the issues within their own communities. He posits that blaming feminists or women for the challenges men face is misguided, as the roots of inequality often stem from male-created norms and behaviors. True progress in men's equality, he concludes, requires self-reflection and proactive change initiated by men themselves.