"Not all men" is a phrase often used to deflect criticism away from men when discussing issues like sexism, sexual assault, or gender inequality, essentially saying that not every man engages in harmful behavior, but is often perceived as a way to dismiss or downplay the experiences of women by implying they are exaggerating or unfairly blaming all men; it is generally considered a unhelpful response in such conversations.
The phrase is used mostly online to change the course of a discussion from: talking about important issues and injustices women face, to “Not all men do that and your being mean.”
The phrase is used mostly online to change the course of a discussion from: talking about important issues and injustices women face, to “Not all men do that and your being mean.”
Women: “I had this really bad and inappropriate experience with a man at a coffee shop. I wish men would respect my body and privacy.”
Man: “Not all men do that you know. It’s very ignorant that you assume such a thing.”
Man: “Not all men do that you know. It’s very ignorant that you assume such a thing.”
by Happygoluckyrainbow February 27, 2025