How to teach boys to be feminist:
via this post at Princess Free Zone
As a young boy:
- Teach them it’s okay to be emotional and that holding feelings in is not what being a man is about.
- Become media literate so that they can become aware of how gender is portrayed in terms of what they are seeing and hearing. When a boy sees an ad or a tv show in which stereotypes are present, make sure you point it out.
- Teach them that there is more to a girl than what she looks like. Discuss famous women who have done and are doing important things.
- Make play dates in which there are boys and girls to play with. Making friends with girls can be an important part of how they will perceive women.
- Introduce them to female characters through books, movies, etc. Research shows that a majority of these characters are male, so it will be up to you to provide a variety.
As a young man:
- Teach them that “feminism” means promoting women’s rights and interests.
- Discuss how being a feminist does not mean women hate men or that women think men are the enemy.
- Teach them that by taking a role in feminism they will be helping everyone not just women.
- Teach them that because they are at the top of society’s hierarchy, they have a responsibility and an ability to be part of social change and justice for everyone.
- Simply talk to them and use probing questions when teachable moments arise. Allow them to reach their own conclusions.
