What feminism means for me

In practical terms, what feminism means for me is meeting people where they are and encouraging them in a direction that fulfills the aspirations of every individual. I'm not sure why feminism has this universal aspect for me; probably because women are overrepresented in the lower tiers of so many social hierarchies: in practice, you can't help but change communities by changing the roles of women. And from my perspective as a man, I can't help but gain from this in my relationships with both women and other men.

I have a hard time understanding arguments that suggest otherwise, as though I benefit by being estranged from the people I love. Yes, I benefit in many ways; but it's kind of like the boss who is asked to give up his $100,000 salary if it means his kids can live in a pollution-free world: once we grasp the connection, we see what there is to gain. A lot of what patriarchy does is to prevent us, as men, from making that connection. A feminist strategy, directed at men, could make a very persuasive case, I think, but only by starting from their assumptions and working toward others they never thought possible. In negotiating these concerns amongst men, I believe male feminist activists will prove invaluable.