Short Film: This is What Sexism Feels Like...To a Man.

Parts of this post is inspired and an adapted excerpt from a Facebook conversation.

Short Film:  This is What Sexism Feels Like...To a Man.

Slightly confusing in the beginning as I tried to follow -likely because my perspective is accustomed to a male-biased paradigm-...but the message is all too clear.
Please watch...starts to really come together around 4:06

A friend posted a very valuable comment questioning the target audience and the intended message:

That was really intense. I'm a bit confused by the message, though. The underlying message I got was that the world is a scary, violent, and powerless place for women. I think that message is problematic because it perpetuates us as victims to male domination, where the only way to empowerment is with the support (permission) of men. Now, that raises the question: Can women as a group be empowered without the help/support of men? Perhaps men are the target audience for this film. One thing that I think is lost during this, is that there is real sexual violence against men and boys, and I feel that this video portrays that terrible reality as something that could only exist in a parallel universe. I would have liked to see a step towards a solution rather than a french version of law and order svu. I don't think it was your male-bias that got in the way in the beginning. I had to consciously flip the gender script in my mind while watching the first few min. It was confusing at first. 

The following is an adaption of my response:

 You bring up some very good points... I feel that the target audience is not necessarily male, but rather for those who currently exist within a very real cultural demographic...one that does not discriminate by sex or even gender identification. As an example, I know quite a few lovely and wonderful people, many of whom are female, while being very aware and against sexual violence, believe to some degree, that the important topic of sexism is hyped-up and drama-ridden. In many ways, their personal experience and perspective of the world has not provided them with (adequate) context. 
For such an audience, I feel that the video is great. 
I agree with you about the somewhat ambiguous message. I’m not so sure if the video’s aim is to directly address the topics of Rape Culture, Misogyny or Misandry. One of the least intense but not less important topics portrayed was the bias of currently dominant patriarchal society. The climax in the middle of the film sort of stole away the spot light...however, in many ways, when it comes down to it, the subject of the scene is arguably the ultimate means of control exercised by the violent dominating antagonist, and with the topic being sexism, primarily men terrorizing women. As I mentioned in the post description, it was at this point that everything clicked into place in my mind’s attempt to “flip the gender script”.
Personally, I feel that the world is as scary as it is beautiful and courageous. Women, girls, boys and men are all targets by precedence; perpetrated by those who are of a predator mind-set, whether it be deeply ingrained or subjectively situational. I also feel that the topic of Sexist Culture is a viable platform to begin from in regards to the fight against sexual violence and sex/gender disparity.

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As we finished, I found that we both agreed on the profound importance of the subject matter and how a discussion with a larger group was a great formula to gain valuable perspective and further insight. 


Such interaction is so beautiful. 
I admit hestitation.  To put myself in an environment where the dialectic process stands to be overrun by aimless debate, provides no desire in any of its forms.  However, I feel that my personal management of such an event is worth the adventure of failing or succeeding.
To feel satisfied emotionally, socially and intellectually is a joy I seldom participate in these days...and has it all been for the sake of avoiding drama?
Well...




if so, I must have needed the time off.