By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The recent US election has sparked renewed interest in the 4B movement, a South Korean feminist movement in which women refuse marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. This surge in interest, particularly among young liberal women, stems from frustration with a perceived lack of support for women’s rights, exacerbated by the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices who overturned abortion rights. While the movement may not gain widespread traction in the US, it serves as a catalyst for conversations about gender inequality and encourages women to prioritize their own wellbeing and seek collective action.
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Following Donald Trump’s victory, some women are considering the 4B movement, a form of protest that involves abstaining from sex with men, dating, or marriage. The movement has been compared to the Lysistrata Protocol, an ancient Greek play where women withhold sex to pressure their husbands into ending the Peloponnesian War. The 4B movement has garnered attention due to the controversial nature of the protest, which some see as a radical and impractical approach.
While the idea of a sex strike has been discussed for decades, it’s gaining traction in the current political climate where many women feel disenfranchised and angry. Many women feel that Trump’s policies and rhetoric directly attack their rights and autonomy. The movement aims to use the power of abstinence to influence policy and challenge the status quo. The focus is on using economic and social pressure to make men, particularly those who support Trump, realize the impact of their actions on women’s lives.
However, the 4B movement is met with a great deal of skepticism, with many people questioning its effectiveness. Critics argue that the movement is unrealistic, impractical, and a short-sighted response to a complex political situation. They argue that women have diverse political views and not all women are opposed to Trump’s policies. They also point out that the movement may alienate men who are not Trump supporters and that the majority of men who support Trump are likely not engaged in relationships with women who are protesting in this manner. Further, many feel that the focus on abstinence could perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women and their desires. They believe that the movement undermines women’s sexual agency and overlooks the complexities of relationships.
The movement has also been criticized for being a social media bubble phenomenon, lacking real-world impact. Many feel that it is based on a distorted view of the dating landscape, particularly among younger generations. The argument goes that men are not in control of the dating scene, and that many men, especially younger ones, are already struggling with relationship dynamics. Those who advocate for the movement may be underestimating the already-existing challenges facing men in finding partners.
The debate surrounding the 4B movement highlights the ongoing tension between gender roles, politics, and personal autonomy. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not to participate in this movement. While the 4B movement may not be a viable solution for all, it raises important questions about the relationship between gender, politics, and personal agency. Whether the movement becomes a significant force in American politics or remains a fleeting social media trend is yet to be seen. However, it has sparked a conversation about the role of women in shaping the future of our society.