The Root of Misogyny

First a definition: misogyny is a hatred of women. [Merriam-Webster] A large number of men hate women generally, or at least have a deep-seated resentment of them. Why? Because of sex. Men have a demand for sex. Women have the supply of sex. Demand exceeds supply. When demand exceeds supply, those who demand must pay (materially or immaterially). Men hate and/or resent this situation. Men blame women for this situation. Nature or God (take your pick) created the situation. It is a metaphysical given (in other words, it’s nobody’s fault, it just is).  Unfortunately, many men think and behave as if this situation was the fault of women. They are angered that women use this situation to their advantage (which any rational, self-respecting person should do). Thus, men commit the intellectual and emotional error known as misogyny.

So we have this situation in which demand is greater than supply, and supply is contingent upon the body of another person. The foundation of all moral interactions between humans is the voluntary, negotiated exchange of value for value. [Ayn Rand] It should be noted that value can be both material and immaterial. Moral, right-thinking men understand this truth, and so do not hate women for the situation they did not create. As such, they “man up” and pay for the sex they need. In the vast majority of cases, payment is made in love, friendship, companionship, resources and support (both for the women and for the children, which are the products of sex). Sometimes payment is mostly material, sometimes it is mostly immaterial. Regardless of the nature of the values exchanged, the exchange must be voluntary and negotiated.

Unfortunately, a large number of men are misogynists and don’t want to pay for sex. They are the free-loaders, who spend a lot time and trouble obtaining sex without paying for it. They rape, manipulate, and use confidence scams. They utilize violence and intimidation. They try to control a woman’s fertility. They get in to government, and pass laws that make women chattel, deny access to contraception and abortion, and prohibit prostitution. They utilize verbal, physical and sexual abuse. They think they are asserting themselves and breaking biology’s chains. What they are really doing is admitting their inability to cope with reality.

that I have never encountered a MISOGYNIST in my business! At least not in person....(possibly via email tho)....
I cannot think of even ONE!!
I believe that men that do this are for the most part VERY respectful of women....otherwise, they wouldn't pay for spending time with us. The men that Ive seen have always made me feel super valuable!

Thank you!!
xoxo

But I am sure there are other causes for it as well.

-- Modified on 5/1/2012 10:10:13 PM

While I get the definition I just don't believe the majority of gus I know feel that strong....  Yes we enjoy the hunt...... and yes when we want to trade time and cash for a "sure" thing that is an exchange between two consenting adults.  

I will be quite, and thanks Hillary for your response...

From a conversation I had with a lady, of course. This is a hat-tip to "Philosophy in the Bedroom," by the Marquis de Sade. Yes, that Sade. He actually had some really interesting ideas.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.   I appreciated it very much.

Very interesting film about the Marquis de Sade and his last years in an insane asylum.  Not meant to be a biography but explores some of his ideas.  Quite lewd, salacious and obscene...worth watching!  

http://youtu.be/u--PYnIYewE

may explain misogyny at one level, but most of it falls from cultural norms far more complex than any objectivist examination explains. An interesting May-day post but I will fall back to the idea that a culture which lacks empathy creates many and varied socio-pathologies; with misogyny being one.
Thanks for a post which inspires thought and reflection.

You are undoubtedly correct. This is but one facet of misogyny. You will notice I did not deal with religious causes, which are a whole other can of worms.

If you do not believe that, then much of the argument is invalid. Some people believe that the government or the church own our bodies, or have a controlling interest, or significant stake. I reject that notion categorically, but if you don't, then the argument does not stand. Always important to make explicit your assumptions!

My dear sweet vallen had originally posted this on the Wisconsin board and it sat for 2 days or so with no replies or responses.  Now it has been removed.  It's sad to look at the Wisconsin board and see that there are barely any discussions...just guys trolling for babes.

Passive-aggressive misogyny perhaps?  

I'm beginning to think Wisconsin is full of them although I have been lucky to never meet them!  Maybe a trip to Minnesota is in order where people have original thoughts and are not afraid to express them as well as give kudos to others for expressing their views.

Cheers,
Stella

Minnesota is great!  I have met several really wonderful people who value me and happen to enjoy, very much, that I am a woman who has NOT bought into all the misogynistic crap displayed in society.

I really love this post.  It was quite helpful to me as a woman.  I am not just a provider that can be used and abused.  I am a woman... Further, I am a human. On that same note, I don't ever want to make anyone feel like a number!  The interaction between humans can be a wonderful experience in this crazy world, and I have gifts that I can offer.  A man has gifts they can offer.  I may get really upset that I can't be a linebacker or something, but it's not happening!  Life is unequal when it comes to playing football... Men have the upper hand.  Women get the sex one.  What it should all boil down to is two people happy to help each other out.

 Peace to the fantastic ladies and gents out there in TER world!  Let us deaden the effects of Misogyny!