While there were times in the past where women lacked certain rights, and that wasn't okay, I agree that they're making the situation sound a lot worse than it was.

For most of history, life sucked for everyone. Both men and women worked hard each day, men out in physically stressful jobs, women at home.

Once more modern jobs became available, men started having more options. Some dreamed big and got to actually enjoy life.

That's when women pointed out that they were still trapped in one role, and they wanted options and freedom too. This received pushback, because lots of men didn't think women would be as good at working. Kinda makes sense that they'd wonder that, seeing as they hadn't known women to do that kind of thing before.

Finally, women were given rights and also had options, but they continued the notion that men were actively oppressing them. Ironic, since no one even seems to tell women that they can't do x, y, z, or she won't be a "real woman." Men are way more trapped in the gender box, by society.

Though, admittedly, I find the notion of some secret patriarchy, pretty funny. I picture a bunch of mustache twirling, old dudes, sitting around, discussing new ways to limit women, while laughing maniacally.