obligatory bear post
is the man or bear thing [https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2024/04/30/man-bear-tiktok-debate-explainer/73519921007/] rhetorically or optically the perfect feminist meme that is beyond criticism? no. but is it leaps and bounds better at getting men to understand the material consequences of patriarchy on the physical and emotional health of women than that stupid “kill all men” meme from last decade? definitely.
is it rhetorically or optically the perfect feminist meme that is beyond criticism? no.
Honestly, I think the biggest problem with the argument is men have been having very serious discussions for probably millenia about what animals they could and could not beat in a fight. And it is implicitly known that the guy who comes in saying he could beat a bear is way up his own ass. Now here comes a meme appearing to imply that men could beat a bear in a fight, and the urge to correct is strong.
I understand and agree with the sentiment, but I also want you to know you can’t beat a bear in a fight, but will gladly discuss what animals you might win against.
What about a Cheetah?
It is implicitly known that the guy who comes in saying he could beat a bear is way up his own ass.
This is good insight into the cultural context that led into this.
I think it varies wildly individual to individual. For example, some of my personal experience/knowledge is that while I can never beat a bear, bears may be discouraged, scared, and shouted down from attacking with proper preparation and training - a luxury that women do not have against men.
Another nuance I saw someone mention is that if I get attacked by a bear, at least I’m fucking dead and I don’t have to live to deal with the psychosocial horror of having to convince a cop, judge or jury, friends or family that I wasn’t “asking for it,” underscoring the damage that a victim-blaming culture has on women.
“a luxury that women do not have against men.”
This intake issue with. Humans present predatory behavior in much the same way as other large predators, that is they are risk averse. Through preparation and training a woman absolutely can prevent an attack by a predatory human being. Things such as not being alone, being armed, keeping situational awareness, and other basic self defense protocols.
The real problem is people not wanting to admit that humans are extremely dangerous predatory animals and one of the few that regularly kills members of its own species. Humans are horrific monsters. Full stop.
To the bears, we are the bears.
spujb