From “For the Rapists Who Called Themselves Feminists” by Blythe Baird

From "For the Rapists Who Called Themselves Feminists"
by Blythe Baird

I have run out of compassion for wolves. I have run
out of compassion for anyone who isn't outraged.

I ran,
& this stubborn body followed.

I am the opposite
of forgiveness. I am all rage
& shriek & flame.

Something I will never do is self-proclaiming a label upon myself. At least one that isn’t earned. Several white people will come out as allies for the BIPOC community, but do everything in their power to talk over voices. Most of these “allyships” are transactional. The moment someone puts them in their place, they say the n-word with the “hard r,” or they say that those they support aren’t grateful enough and maybe they’ll cross ideological lines as punishment.

While I support feminists and their beliefs, I don’t like calling myself one. It’s not a label for me to give myself, but one I can earn through being there, doing the work, etc. I correct other men whenever they put their whole foot in their mouths. I tell him when they step over the line, or when they believe the “femnazi” incel argument.

And Blythe Baird’s poem reminded me why I take this stance. There are so many men in this world will that call themselves feminists to garner trust in women spaces. It allows them access and, in their screwed up minds, gives them consent. It’s the “good guy” cliché. If they do they do the work, then they deserve a reward. Otherwise, what was it all for?

I don’t think like them, but I have thought like them. I can recognize these faults, because they were mine and that’s why I do my best to correct this mindset when I see it in others. I think that’s what I can do as a man. Be better and help those reach the same understanding. But never, I mean never, will I think that I have nothing left to learn about myself. That there aren’t flaws in me that still need correcting.

I hope that makes sense.

You can read the complete poem in Baird’s collection, If My Body Could Speak, available for Kindle and softcover.