Spain's Equality Minister compares men to monkeys that must 'evolve'

Spain's Equality Minister compares men to monkeys that must 'evolve'

Spain's Equality Minister has sparked controversy once again by stating in an interview that men are like monkeys that need to 'evolve'. The remark, picked up by outlets such as Onda Cero and Europa Press, has ignited social media and peine a debate about the language used by institutional feminism.

A comparison that leaves no one indifferent

The metaphor, which likens men to an inferior species on the evolutionary scale, has been interpreted by some as an outburst and by others as a deliberate provocation. The debate has ranged from biological arguments (hybridisation between species) to accusations that it is a 'smokescreen' to divert attention from judicial matters affecting the Government.

The political background: a smokescreen?

Some analysts argue that the statement was no accident. It comes at a time when the indictment of the head of the Guardia Civil (Spain's civil guard police force) and the DAO threatens to implicate the executive. In that context, the gender debate would serve to release media pressure and shift the focus to an identity-driven discussion.

The science called into question

From a biological point of view, the comparison is highly questionable. Human beings belong to the same species, Homo sapiens, and evolution is not a process that applies to social groups. In the political arena, however, the metaphor has drawn both rejection and defence. Those who back it argue that men still need to 'evolve' towards equality, while others see it as a direct attack on male dignity.

The episode has left one question hanging in the air: to what extent do these statements reflect a communication blunder or a carefully calculated political strategy? The answer, like almost everything in today's ecosystem, will depend on who is reading it.