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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37165
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37165
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

> **_How can I write a male-dominated culture without implicitly supporting it?_**

As I often say here in Writing, it is important for nearly all of what you write to have **consequences,** some effect on your characters, their attitude, humor, decisions, emotions, etc. (Some of what you say is to manage or orient the reader.)

In this case, if you believe (as I do) that a male-dominated culture is inherently unfair and creates hardships (or advantages) where there should be none, answer for yourself, **What are these hardships? Where is the imbalance?**

Sexual harassments and exploitations that men do not experience? Denial of financial opportunities, jobs, promotions and investments that go to men instead? Being forced to choose between children and career, when men are not? Being underpaid for doing the same jobs? Being automatically labeled homosexual for wanting to pursue a "man's" job? Being treated like stupid children that need male guidance, at work, by police or the courts? Losing credit for their professional accomplishments if they work with or for a man, in situations where if they were a man it would not happen? Being labeled a slut or a whore if they have casual sex, or a screaming bitch if they complain about something (including being treated unequally)?

Answer for yourself, I am sure I missed some. You don't have to figure out everything that is wrong, but pick some things you find egregious (or a woman you know finds egregious); and write it in, _showing the consequences_ in a negative light; for a character we like, so we can see the pain this discrimination causes.

The people that see such discriminations approvingly are generally those doing the discriminating and enjoying their unfair advantages, they seldom bring up the hateful pains and hardships they are causing to reap those privileges, because it is a losing argument.

If **you** bring them up, and show the pain and hardship in a character we sympathize with; then nobody will think you approve of this discrimination. Your character may even prevail over the situation, find away around the discrimination, carve out her own niche, whatever.

I wouldn't hide it, or gloss over it. If you want to be a neutral observer:

**Even a neutral observer can see a woman crying.**

Original score: 5