The Merriam Webster dictionary defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes,” which often entails “organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.” However, throughout the past decade, society and the media have greatly distorted feminism’s connotation in the minds of many.
There are many negative connotations associated with feminist ideas in the modern world, with one of the most common being that feminists hate men.
The root of this “feminist against man” belief started in the 1700s when women started advocating for equal rights. “What crazy radical things were these man-haters asking for? Primarily [feminists were asking] for the rights to own property, to attend college, and to vote. In response to these requests, [feminists] were labeled as anti-family, anti-God, anti-men radical hedonists,” Sam Killermann wrote in an article for “Everyday Feminism”.
This misconception stems from the incorrect correlation between the words feminist and misandrist. While a feminist campaigns for equal rights between males and females, misandrists publically express their hatred and extreme prejudice towards men.
“Yes, misandrist is a word. But feminist doesn’t mean ‘person who hates men;’ feminist means ‘person who believes people should have equitable places in society regardless of their gender,’” Killermann said.
An example of misandry (prejudice against men) can be seen in statements by radical feminists Andrea Dworkin and Catherine Mackinnon. “Apparently, misogyny (prejudice against women) is reprehensible and evil, but misandry is virtuous and laudable. I am sure that most readers are familiar with the words of Andrea Dworkin and Catherine MacKinnon to the effect that all men are rapists,” Gad Saad, Ph.D said in “Psychology Today”.
Statements such as these, as said by radical feminists such as Dworkin and MacKinnon, have led to the misconception that all feminists are “radical” or “man-hating.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum are those who believe their disapproval of small female injustices paints themselves as feminists in the eyes of society. According to a study by the Washington Postin 2016, about 43% of women from different age groups consider themselves feminists and 17% consider themselves strong feminists.
These women who label themselves as feminists, tend to be misinformed on the topic and claim to stand as feminists because they don’t think that women should conform to stereotypes and should be independent and strong. Although this ideology does stem from feminism, just saying that one believes women are better off independent or that the world is too misogynistic does not make someone a feminist.
Although Rosie the Riveter initially served as propaganda, she quickly became a symbol of female empowerment that lasted long after the war. (Photo/History.com)
I am not speaking of those who claim themselves radical feminists, but those who label themselves as a feminist due to their views on the male-dominated culture of today’s society.
Feminism isn’t a complaint about society but rather a movement towards equal rights between men and women. Society should not believe all these falsehoods or generalizations of feminists due to a few radical feminist statements, such as the belief that “feminists hate men” or are “biased against men.” Therefore, people must become informed and decide for themselves what feminism really stands for. Feminism is a rising topic of importance in today’s society and continues to stand as controversial subject matter. To choose a side on the feminism topic or even discuss it, people should be correctly informed on what feminism really stands for.
