'Mommy's boy' debate rages on social media(3)

A step forward

On June 10, a video posted on social media showing four women being assaulted by seven men inside and outside a barbecue restaurant in Tangshan, Hebei province, shocked the nation.

Gong and Chen said the relentless beatings and level of violence the women experienced as they made it clear they did not want the men's attention was hard to accept, and also intensified the debate over the term "baby man" on social media.

"On Sina Weibo, 'baby man' no longer refers to males in general. It has evolved from being used in a very specific context to a form of accusation, blame and mockery toward the entire gender system that is not fair to women," Gong said.

Chen said: "These gender discussions are a step forward. Women can take a fresh look at the situation they are in, be aware of criticism and reflect on existing gender inequality issues in society, such as patriarchy and sexism, which in turn helps them assess their own value to society.

"In addition, such discussion enables women in general to maintain clear judgment and cognitive awareness in areas such as marriage, love and family power battles."

If men empathize with and pay attention to the plight of women in these discussions, they will better understand the risks and disadvantages that women face in their reproductive and romantic relationships, which is also a step toward gender equality, Chen added.