The echoes of disappointment and disillusionment resonated through the crowds as Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Donald Trump in the US presidential elections. Women, who had pinned their hopes on a historic moment, were left heartbroken, not just by the loss of their candidate, but also by the prospect of a Trump presidency. The grief was palpable, the wait for America to shatter its ultimate glass ceiling seemingly extended indefinitely. However, amidst the dejection, a spark of resistance began to flicker. Inspired by a unique protest movement originating in South Korea, American women are exploring the concept of 4B – a radical feminist program aimed at boycotting men.
The 4B movement, which translates to ‘no’ in English, stands for ‘bihon’ (no heterosexual marriage), ‘bichulsan’ (no childbirth), ‘biyeonae’ (no dating), and ‘bisekseu’ (no heterosexual sexual relationships). This radical stance, born in the wake of South Korea’s #MeToo movement and the earlier ‘Escape the Corset’ movement, signifies a complete rejection of a system deemed oppressive to women. The movement’s roots lie in the deep-seated societal issues South Korea grapples with, including stringent gender norms, pervasive beauty standards, and a culture of unchecked male dominance.
The catalyst for the 4B movement’s emergence was a chilling wave of spycam incidents, where women were filmed without their consent in public bathrooms and during intimate moments. These videos, shared online by men, fueled a deep sense of distrust and vulnerability among women. The arrest of a woman for photographing a nude male model in an art class, while the perpetrator of a similar crime against a woman faced lenient consequences, further highlighted the stark double standards prevalent in the country. This fueled a growing sense of anger and frustration among women, pushing them towards seeking alternative solutions.
The movement’s impact on South Korean society remains a subject of debate, with some attributing the nation’s record-low fertility rates to its influence. While the full impact of the 4B movement is yet to be fully understood, its principles have found resonance in the US, particularly in the wake of Trump’s victory. The hashtag #4B movement saw a surge in online searches and discussions, with many American women expressing their support and solidarity. They are leveraging social media platforms to voice their discontent and frustration, declaring their intention to engage in a nationwide sex strike. The movement’s appeal lies in its promise of empowerment, offering women a means to reclaim their agency and demand respect in a society where they feel unheard and undervalued.
Women in the US are citing the growing threat to their reproductive rights as a key driving force behind their embrace of the 4B movement. Trump’s inconsistent stance on abortion, his history of misogynistic remarks, and his support base, which includes individuals with extreme views on women, have fueled anxieties and prompted women to seek radical solutions. The movement’s proponents argue that it is not just about sexual abstinence, but rather about challenging the patriarchal structures that perpetuate inequality. They are seeking a world where women are valued beyond their roles as wives, mothers, or objects of desire, and where they have the freedom to define their own lives and destinies.
The 4B movement’s impact on the US is yet to be fully realized, but its emergence reflects the growing disillusionment and frustration among women in the face of political and social injustice. As the movement gains traction, it will be crucial to observe its trajectory and the lasting changes it might bring about in American society. The movement’s success will hinge on its ability to inspire meaningful dialogue and action, paving the way for a more just and equitable future for all women.
