In The News
This piece was originally published in the New Straits Times on 23 June 2007.
HAVE you ever encountered a situation whereby a man argues in favour of feminism with a woman who brandishes the women's movement as utter rubbish?
Ask Shanon Shah, who once found himself in that quandary.
He had just finished reading the book 'Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women' by Susan Faludi, and had recommended it to his female friend in university, only to be given a rundown on how feminism is radical, extreme and nonsensical.
That incident proved to be a turning point for the singer-songwriter.
In his quest for a true picture, he began to study feminism through reading, study sessions and discussions with activists.
It took him a long time to achieve what he aimed for.
So where does feminism leave our men?
Men have as much a place in feminism as women, said Paul Sinnapan, the other male plenary speaker at the fiesta who shared his experiences on discovering feminism.
Gender sensitising workshops led Paul to realise the many silent sacrifices women make, the lack of recognition accorded to them, and the unfair power position rooted in society.
Today, Paul is a member of the Asian Men Empowerment Network and also a gender trainer.
"As I began to appreciate the many things my wife has been doing, I decided to help out at home, only to be told by my mother to leave the housework to my wife. This is the work of socialisation.
"It taught men to use their 'power over' on women, which is no longer applicable today."
In his presentation, Shanon suggested the women's movement should identify their strong allies, form partnerships with new allies and try to convert the neutral ones.
