Good for the goose is good enough!

In my time spent as a feminist I have noticed a disturbing trend.  Whenever something is brought up as a benefit to women (reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, etc) we will try and frame it from an angle where it benefits a man.  Whenever we discuss rape or sexual assault, we try and be inclusive to the male experience.  Even feminist men are guilty of this particular trespass.  A friend of mine who shall remain nameless (you know who you are) was recently speaking to me about gay rights said something along the lines of “I’ve no problem with gay guys.  Whatever floats your boat, y’know?  And besides, more boobs for me!”

Classy.

Ok, let’s dissect this.  Firstly, way to ignore the lesbians in this equation.  Secondly, boobs are not for you.  Never, ever has a breast been created simply for your ownership. 

But what really hurts here is the idea that if something doesn’t benefit the (white, heterosexual) male, it’s not a worthy idea.  This isn’t a new phenomenon.  When we first struggled to get the vote it was often framed within the scene that this is a good thing for men, us women having the vote.  During the second wave we tried to frame equal pay as a benefit for the men in our lives, if not directly than indirectly from an economic standpoint.

Why must we continue to placate the men in the world?  Why can’t an idea that benefits women (51-53% of the population, never forget that) be enough?  If it’s a good idea, that’s damn well good enough for me!