Men can (and should) be feminists. The entire world would be better. But some men, usually the ones who are kind and understanding, and sensitive, and deeply committed feminists, sometimes have trouble dealing with the full implications of the feminist movement. By which I mean they sometimes have trouble having sex with a woman. Especially when she wants him to do something that isn’t missionary style, stare into her eyes, romantic intercourse.

I have actually heard it lamented by women that “feminist boys will go down on you all day, but just don’t fuck that well.” They say this not to demean these boys, but rather to point out that you don’t have to give up your animal passions to be a feminist. You can in a very egalitarian manner, taking full account of the equality of your partner, and in a manner consistent with major feminist theory, pee on a woman. Especially, and this is kind of the point, if the woman desperately wants you to.

The idea of women being equal includes the idea that some women want to be pissed on, some want to be smacked around, tied up, or called a dirty slut. Equality demands that women have access to these choices, even if they choose not to take them. Being equal in power means you can choose to give it up.

I loved this video, I thought it was funny and raised some interesting issues about power dynamics, feminism, and quirky romance. I thought it had a nice happy ending, and I was really excited to see so many complicated ideas expressed in such an elegant way. Watch it again, it will warm your heart.

  1. sexuallyoriented says:

    Truth! I say as long as you have a safe word and have talked it out beforehand, the best bet is to support your partners desires. With gumption!

    I think that sensitive men especially will occasionally have a hard time coming home and ripping off their partners clothes – most often in situations where they live together. When you live with someone, you tend to look at them as someone you take care of and look after. Not as someone you want to fuck. Sometimes sex is animalistic and passionate. Sometimes it’s the gaze into your eyes kind. But if you are having trouble with the sex requests, just know this: if they asked for it, go for it! Guilt free. Everyone gets excited when you do it like it’s the first time.

    Though I’ve yet to read Esther Perel’s Mating in Captivity, I think you should check this book out if you feel crushed by your feminist guilt about doing your lady right.