“Men are trash”?
The phrase "men are trash" has become a common phrase used by women to describe their negative experiences with men. This sentiment has led to the emergence of the #MenAreTrash movement, which calls out the problematic behavior and practices of men that oppress women.
In this article, we explore what women mean when they say "men are trash" and why this statement has become a rallying cry for those seeking an end to the pervasive violence and trauma faced by women globally.
What makes a man trashy?
Toxic Masculinity
It is basically a set of ways and acts that are associated with men and what society expects of them. Toxic masculinity does not just have a negative effect on women but also on other men. In which it fosters prejudice among women, assertive dominance, homophobia, and violence.
"Yung ego nilang sakit na sakit everytime na nakakabasa sila ng ganyang posts. Like for example, mga corrupted opinion nila sa mga certain issues like LGBT+, politics, hierarchy na may kinalaman sa gender, minsan victim blamer pa. That's what makes them trash, yung ego nila na kailangan all the way nasa taas sila. Bawal matalo, mga tipo ng tao na magsasabi sa batang lalaki "bat ka umiiyak, bakla ka ba?" -Andrea, 22
“While some say the narrative "men are trash" is a hate speech against men, I believe it is a call to finally hold men accountable for their trashy behavior, attitude, and views that harm the society, especially women who continue to suffer from this toxic and fragile masculinity. Even up to this day, traditional patriarchal views are embedded within us, and it is apparent as women are still the ones who need to adjust from men's "natural" (although I call it animalistic) traits, such as women should wear 'appropriate and decent' clothes to avoid sexual harassment, and worse, rape. When we say "men are trash," we don't mean to antagonize men, we don't mean to promote misandry, but we mean to say that your idea of masculinity is hurtful, unbearable, and dehumanizing.” -Abby, 22
Objectification of women
A lot of men are objectifying and sexualizing women in a number of ways. One of these ways is catcalling or also known as “street harassment” which verbally abuses women (wolf-whistling, sexual comments, stalking, indecent exposures, and etc.). Most women experienced being sexualized by men, whether it is in pictures, videos, or even in person. It is regardless of what we wear, who we are, or how much we protect ourselves– we are and always have been a subject of objectification.
“not all men are trash pero MOST of them were and will continue to be, if the public won't really acknowledge it as soon as possible. Simply the act of cat-calling to the women on streets is an act of being trashy. Also, diyan sa cat-calling na yan, maaaring mag-initiate or magstart yung pagkabastos ng man to do rape, na currently ay pataas na nang pataas ang mga cases.”-Pau, 22
Misogyny
According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, Misogyny refers specifically to a hatred of women. It means "behavior, conditions, or attitudes that foster stereotypes of social roles based on sex" and "discrimination based on sex". Misogyny is present everywhere, whether in the workplace, homes, and most especially in public places. This hate turns into prejudice and violence most of the time, which of course, victimizes women.
“men are trash (not to generalize pero) kasi dahil sa kanila hindi safe ang mga girls to roam around, lagi silang gumagawa ng mga trashy things tapos proud pa sila, parang nasa katawan na nilang mambastos ng girls (verbally and physically), and lastly men are trash kasi feeling nila laging silang superior (in-line with patriarchy) and tend to humiliate and downgrade women.” -Mecca, 22
Abuse and Violence on the basis of gender
If how you see women is rooted in hate and prejudice, oftentimes, it causes traumatizing and abusive acts. Violence against women is rampant in a lot of cases in the Philippines and in other parts of the world. Imagine the feeling of being unsafe by just walking in the streets fearing for your life, on whether you will make it home–that is the kind of fear women experience everyday.
Men are also trashy if they cause psychological trauma to women whether to their partners or family members and try to justify their abuse by saying that they are just “men”. Those who do these kinds of acts are not just the trashy ones, but also those who tolerate and turn a blind eye on it–yes, they are part of the problem.
“Kung sa sampung lalaki, isa don nambastos at walang ginawa 'yung siyam, kahit pa hindi sila tumawa or nakibastos, 'yun pa lang e trash na sila kasi somehow nanonormalize 'yung gano'ng trait dahil hindi kino call out. Kapag alam naman nilang mali pero ginagawa pa rin nila for example, cheating or pananakit physically. Tapos jina justify nila for their own benefit and inuulit pa rin nila” -Chelsy, 21
Although the statement is provocative, why don’t we shift the focus to the perpetrators and abusers? Their inhumane acts do not just provoke women, but also cause trauma and abuse. I hope that as much as the statement provokes you, abuse and misogyny also provoke your anger.
It is enraging to live in a patriarchal society that implicitly objectifies and abuses women of all ages. This movement is a wake up call and a battle cry to raise awareness and straighten the crooked ways and practices that have been rampant and considered a norm in the society. We should strive to make this world a better place by creating a safe space for women–free from trauma and violence.
