Feminism, Body Image, and Some Tough Questions My Artifact Episode 3358 - Video

My Artifact Podcast, Episode 3358
March 12, 2025 | 10:00 PM
Topic: Feminism, Body Image, and Some Tough Questions
Opening Thoughts: Just Me, Thinking Out Loud
Hey, welcome to My Artifact! It’s episode 3358, recorded on March 12, 2025, at exactly 10 PM. Tonight’s episode is a bit of a thinker. I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind lately:
What exactly is feminism?
Now before we get deep, let me say this upfront:
These are my thoughts—based on my life, my surroundings, and my limited understanding. I might be totally off the mark. And that’s okay. I’m not trying to teach you anything—I’m just exploring, learning as I go.
What I Think Feminism Means
Here’s how I understand feminism in the simplest terms:
Equal opportunity.
If a man can do something, a woman should be able to do it too.
Wanna be a pilot? Go for it. Astronaut? Hell yes. Scientist, soldier, plumber, CEO—doesn’t matter. If you’re capable, you should get the shot, no matter your gender. Sounds fair, right?
But here’s where things got complicated for me...
Wait, Why Did That Feel Weird?
I was watching a video by this fitness influencer—Jessie West. The guy’s ripped. We’re talking six-pack, solid biceps, the whole superhero look.
And here’s what he said:
“When we see a guy with a shredded body, people go, Wow! He must be disciplined. He must have worked really hard.”
We admire it. We get inspired. Some of us even Google “how to get abs in 30 days.”
But when a woman shows up with the same ripped physique—abs, muscles, defined arms—some people, myself included, kind of flinch. Not with disgust, but… confusion?
Why?
Why did that feel off to me?
The Double Standard (And Where It Comes From)
Here’s the truth:
I’ve been conditioned to see things a certain way. For thousands of years, men were the ones hunting, fighting, carrying heavy stuff. So muscles became a sign of power and masculinity.
Women, on the other hand, were expected to be caregivers—soft-spoken, beautiful, gentle. Over time, our brains just stored that idea:
Strong = Manly.
Beautiful = Soft.
So when I see a woman with bulging biceps or abs sharper than mine, my brain glitches. It’s not that I think it’s wrong. It just doesn’t fit the ancient image I’ve grown up with.
But that’s not her fault. That’s on me—and the way society has wired me.
Imagine This: The Dad Dilemma
Let me paint you a scenario.
Say I’m a dad. My daughter’s 21 and helping run my shop while I’m away. I check the CCTV, and… there she is—getting a little cozy with some guy in the store.
She doesn’t tell me. I confront her.
Now what?
If she’s honest—tells me it’s her boyfriend, they’re serious, she trusts him—I’d be upset, sure, but I’d understand. I’d probably say something like:
“You’re an adult. It’s your life. But be smart. Is he someone who’ll respect you? Stick around?”
But if she lies—says it didn’t happen even though the footage says otherwise—I’d be crushed. Not because of what she did. But because she hid it. She didn’t trust me enough to be honest.
And I’ll admit it:
For a second, I might even feel like slapping her.
But I’d stop myself. Violence doesn’t solve anything—it only damages trust further. Instead, I’d ask myself:
“Did I raise her to feel like she couldn’t talk to me?”
That’s where the real pain comes from.
Now Let’s Talk About OnlyFans
Here’s another curveball:
Platforms like OnlyFans have made some women millionaires. They post adult content, and boom—tons of subscribers.
But when men try the same thing? Crickets.
Isn’t that gender bias, too?
Feminism often steps in when women are at a disadvantage—which is great. But what about when men struggle in spaces like these? Where’s the movement then?
It feels a bit lopsided. And no, I don’t have the answers. It just makes me scratch my head and wonder.
So... Am I a Feminist?
I believe in equal opportunity. 100%.
If a woman wants to be a wrestler, bodybuilder, or truck driver—go for it. I’ll cheer her on.
But I can’t lie. I still feel weird sometimes seeing a super-muscular woman. And I know that’s probably just outdated programming in my head. I’m trying to unlearn it.
If I were a politician, I’d probably say:
“Everyone deserves to chase their dreams, regardless of gender.”
But as a regular guy, my inner voice says:
“That’s cool… but it still feels kinda unfamiliar.”
So, am I a feminist? Maybe. Maybe not.
I believe in fairness. I’m just still working through the messy parts in my head.
Final Thoughts: It's Messy, and That’s Okay
Feminism, body image, honesty, parenting—it’s all tangled together. And I don’t have all the answers. I’m just trying to understand myself better and share what I find along the way.
Thanks for sticking with me on this one.
It’s late, my tea’s gone cold, and my brain’s spinning.
This has been My Artifact, episode 3358.
Catch you next time.