Case in point what I was talking about before, re: adequacy; I wrote this poem a month ago and meant to post it here and then link it on my Patreon, but every time I set out to do it, I found myself paralyzed with indecision. I consistently think it’s one of the better and more important things I’ve written, right up until it comes time to tell someone about it.
The poem was directly inspired by a specific incident that I’ve already actually forgotten because the sort of incident that inspired it happens constantly. The title is a sort of reference to another observation on the phenomenon, Helen Lewis’s observation that “Comments on any article about feminism justify feminism.” I’m not a particular fan of Helen Lewis, but this sentiment is repeated and paraphrased so many times without attribution—or attributing it to a man who happened to quote her, such as Wil Wheaton—that I felt it necessary to point out who codified the sentiment in this form.
Anyway, poem:
THAT NEVER HAPPENED: NOTES ON A POST ABOUT FEMINISM
by Alexandra Erin
That never happened, you’re making it up,
but you need to realize it happens to men, too,
and it was obviously a joke when it happened.
Anyway, everyone does it sometimes, but not all men.
You feminists generalize everything.
It hurts my feelings when you’re so sensitive.
Nothing in life is more important than free speech,
so just shut up about this social justice nonsense.
We don’t care about race or gender or anything else,
we’re all just people here, just human beings,
so if anyone gives you trouble for who you are
it’s your fault for letting them find out.
You will never find a more welcoming community,
but you can’t expect to just walk in here like that.
Gaming has never been a boys’ club,
but why are girls getting into it now?
The corrupt media narrative ignores our wonderful diversity.
Feminists won’t understand that we are not their shield,
but of course white men are catered to, we’re the majority.
You feminists act like men are so dangerous,
but you’re waving raw meat in front of a wild dog
and whose fault is it if you leave your door unlocked?
I resent the implication that I can’t be trusted.
It’s just a compliment, just a drink, just being friendly,
not everyone means something by everything,
not everyone is angling for something in return,
and besides, fake geek girls are taking over
and pretending to like our things
to get compliments
and drinks
and stuff
and never have to give a single thing up in return,
and how is that fair?
You females give so many mixed signals.
You’re so contradictory, I swear,
it’s like you’re different people.
I should just give up on you.
I should just leave you all alone.
But I won’t fight hate with hate.
I will be the bigger man.
I will stay here and I will tell you
every single thing you ever got wrong
until you know better, until you see.
Because I’m a nice guy.