(I read this for my women's literature course, so here was my response to a prompted question!!)

I do not believe that the point of Herland is to be "anti-male". I am surprised to hear so many people calling it that, when the root of the story is a call for equality between men and women. The story at its core highlights how if matriarchy was the standard instead of a patriarchy, a society could still thrive. This story shows that women are just as capable as men, and do not have to depend on males to survive, just like how men do not depend on women for survival. I took leadership courses at my college and studied women in the roles of leadership. Initially, men were the optimal gender for leadership positions because men are biologically stronger which was important for survival. However, we no longer have to fight to survive in modern times and we are blessed with a chance to live. Nowadays, it is found that people want bosses who are patient, empathetic and understanding of them. These are all traits that many women possess yet are still looked down upon and considered inferior to the ways of men. Many women possess the optimal traits people want in their bosses, but women are faced with the glass ceiling that is so hard to break through (Hence why there are very few women in leadership roles). This book also highlights how brilliant the female body truly is. Men are needed for only part of reproduction, but women carry out every other aspect, including providing them with essential food. Zara talked with the trio of men and said, "It would be so wonderful—would it not? To compare the history of two thousand years, to see what the differences are—between us, who are only mothers, and you, who are mothers and fathers, too. Of course we see, with our birds, that the father is as useful as the mother, almost. But among insects we find him of less importance, sometimes very little. Is it not so with you?" (Gilman). Even with the utopia the women have created, the men can hardly believe that they are successful and able to create generations without a man present. Terry compares the women to mere insects, and the disappointing thing is that many men have this view in real life. The women want to learn and compare notes whereas the men want to see where they fit in and how they can have a hand in their society. It does not surprise me that Gilman portrayed the men as wanting to conquer and own when throughout history it is what they have been best at. Overall, I enjoyed this story and saw it as a request for respect and equality, instead of an anti-men story.