Patriarchy is defined as a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, decision making and property control. While patriarchal structures are undoubtedly inimical to women, they are also harmful for men because they create unrealistic expectations, promote toxic masculinity and negatively impact mental health. So, most enlightened souls on earth agree that the equality of the sexes and a swift and natural death of the patriarchy are desirable. However, there are those who hate feminism, cling to the antiquated gender roles and notions of male dominance; even want to #RestorePatriarchy.
Noah Revoy appeals for the restoration of patriarchy. According to his Twitter cover image, “only male agency can save the west”. His Twitter bio reads thus: Patriarch, husband, father of 3 sons, entrepreneur, life, love, relationship coach. I will teach you the important lessons your father should have taught you. Clearly this is one of those deeply troubled men who believe that the world needs not feminism, but meninism!
While some expressed sympathy for the unfortunate woman who was the wife of Revoy, others wondered if modern medicine had a cure for the likes of this guy. The rather colourful Twitter handle Aunt Crabby Calls Bullshit described the man as an Incel belonging to the dark ages.
So, who needs to restore the patriarchy? Well, no one, says this helpful representation.
This tweet spells out how so many men feel the need to deny their own privilege and the disenfranchisement of women and how so many problems of men are blamed on ‘crazy women’.
Author John Pavlovitz expresses the view that such ramblings are the result of fragile masculinity and suggests some palliatives for the issues Revoy clearly has.
This commentator feels that only the small-minded and insecure feel the need to control and subordinate others.
Burn! This woman decided to throw major shade and her views were applauded by many. Some said thanks for expressing their own views so succinctly.
They decided to simply call out the BS; the excuses trotted out to disguise simple misogyny and desire to subjugate.
Many others had the same reaction, because this tweet has 2.5k likes (whereas the original #RestorePatriachy tweet has only 971).
This commentator expresses the view that Revoy is not quite normal and sane.
While some expressed the view that the guy needs help, another commentator had this question: Damn you really never got a single date in highschool did you?
Chef Brian Duffy seemed justifiably annoyed.
The fact is that patriarchy is still very much in situ – more in some parts of the world than others, it must be admitted – but still very much the default situation. So first we do have to #SmashThePatriarchy before we can begin to restore it.
The #RestorePatriarchy hashtag recalled this to mind. Alas, this ridiculous idea finds many echoes in our land…a voice not from the loony fringe, but the establishment. The Chief Minister of India’s most populous state said not only this, but also this: if men develop feminine traits they become Gods, but if women develop masculine traits they become demons. Wouldn’t it be nice if some men decided to join us all in the 21st century and stopped fearing women and female agency so much?
Do you have something interesting you would like to share? Write to us at [email protected]
