Gender discourse often influences how men and women view each other with both sexes needing mediation to reach an understanding. Picture: Pexels
In an era dominated by social media, a new TikTok trend is reshaping the discourse surrounding feminism and patriarchy, traditionally confined to university lecture halls and academic circles.
Women across the globe are using the platform to articulate their understanding of gender politics through creative voice notes, breathing new life into concepts that have long been debated in theory but rarely spoken about with such personal urgency.
The viral voice note, credited to black feminist mother LeAndra Lee Baker, whose evocative piece entitled “Patriarchy is a Boot on the Neck” has become a rallying point for discussions on gender equality.
Baker’s analogy, wherein patriarchy is depicted as a boot pressing down on a woman’s neck, while feminism is characterised by her complaints about it, provides a stark lens through which to view the current climate of gender relations alike.
It not only captures the struggle many women feel but also challenges societal reactions to their grievances.
@ash.bartolo This is the best metaphor iv heard to explain the patriarchy/feminism. Written by @the_black_berri 💗 #patriarchy #feminism #notallmen #creatorsearchinsights ♬ sonido original - Amparo Bandera Terapia
As users share Baker’s poignant message, they initiate dialogues that reveal a diverse array of responses.
@segaart0 commented: “In my women’s studies class it was explained that feminism stands for equality and treating both genders equally. It’s called feminism because women did not have the same rights as men.”
This echoes the historical context of feminism, which has evolved significantly since its inception in the late nineteenth century, when the primary focus was on suffrage and opening doors for women in social, economic and political spheres.
However, amidst the supportive sentiments, reactions vary widely.
Another user, @manm982, asserted: “If patriarchy has its boot on women's necks then it has two boots on men's necks,” to which Ash Bartolo, the voice behind the viral post, pointedly responded that men’s issues are not equitable to the experiences of women dealing with systemic inequality.
Such comments underscore the misunderstandings about feminism that persist today, often rooted in societal privilege and a lack of personal experience with such oppressive structures.
Furthermore, @mdp3413’s comment regarding “pick me women” illustrates another layer of internalised misogyny - a term that captures the notion of women adopting stances designed to appease patriarchal expectations rather than challenge them.
This highlights a growing concern that feminism, despite being a fundamental movement for equality, is often misrepresented or misunderstood in contemporary discussions, especially with the emerging conflicts characteristic of online ‘gender wars.’
A notable mention in this discourse is the crisis instigated by “Red Pill” ideology - a community steeped in antifeminism that seeks to manipulate gender dynamics in relationships to favour traditional male dominance.
Paired with notions of toxic femininity, which prescribes limited behaviours for women to fit stereotypical roles, these ideologies threaten the very essence of feminism by pitting women against one another and distracting from the core issues of gender equality.
Martha Rampton, Professor of History and Director of the Centre for Gender Equity at Pacific University, reinforces the idea that feminism is far from obsolete, although it encounters fierce resistance today.
“The first wave of feminism emerged out of an environment that desired to open opportunities for women, and it continues to be relevant as women seek equality in an ever-complex world,” she explains.
Ultimately, as these TikTok posts resonate with their audiences, they act as more than mere entertainment; they pave the way for conversations that challenge outdated norms and encourage critical dialogue.
As feminism finds new footing in the digital realm, it becomes evident that the boot may persist but the voices advocating for liberation are amplifying, refusing to remain silent.
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