The ultimate gender equality Ted Talk for men.
“I am here to recruit men to support gender equality.” This is the statement Michael Kimmel chose to open his powerful gender equality Ted Talk. This talk does not only address the urgency of embracing gender equality: it also touches on white privilege. His candid anecdote about how he understood privilege during an interaction with a black woman is extremely valuable. He says: “Privilege is invisible to those who have it.” Indeed.
In his talk, Kimmel raises the importance of men voices in support of gender equality. Men tend to suspect bias when a woman speaks on the matter. He points out how gender equality is a win-win situation for both genders, despite being fair and right. Men do benefit greatly from it because it brings them closer to a quality of life they want, especially as fathers. Dads want more work-life balance, that’s a fact.
According to Kimmel, data show that when men share housework and childcare:
- their children do better at school, and are healthier.
- their wife is happier (Duh!) and healthier as well.
- they, themselves are happier and healthier.
Kimmel also highlights correlations between rates of gender equality and levels of happiness and well being in countries and corporations.
On and all, as Michelle Gullen said: “Gender equality is not a women’s issue. It’s a human issue”. And as corny as it may sound, the more involved men will be, the better the world will be.
Take action! Share this gender equality Ted Talk with the men you love! (especially the ones who need to see it.)
Sociologist Michael Kimmel is among the leading researchers and writers on men and masculinity in the world. He is the author Manhood in America, Angry White Men, and the best seller Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men. An activist for gender equality for more than 30 years, he was recently called “the world’s preeminent male feminist” by the Guardian.