Show and Tell #2 - Response to Tik Tok video

 

Above is a Tik Tok that came across my feed a few days ago. In the video, a woman shows a compilation of nasty comments she has received after posting a previous video where she called out a very real pattern of men not taking up normal parental responsibilities. Although it is supposed to be a humorous video, it is very effective in showing how deep-rooted patriarchal values continue to affect men, and what tasks they deem "feminine" in nature. 

Some of the comments justify violence against women, one even saying "Ofc, our job is to drink beers and smash the empty bottles in your head". This kind of language is what normalizes violent, misogynistic behavior. Another commenter posted, "Dad pays for it, you make it", which further pushes the patriarchal idea that "men are the breadwinners of the household and women are the stay-at-home caretakers".

I really like that the creator decided to keep the usernames of the commenters in the video. I am hopeful that some, if not all of these men face some kind of repercussions for their words. Social media has made people too comfortable posting and commenting whatever they want - I think by directly calling people out, we can hold some of these hateful commenters accountable.