Feminism is a widely debated topic of today. However, what exactly is it? Many people are unsure of what feminism means (besides the women’s suffrage movement and others of the 20th century) and do not understand how it applies to the present time. A large amount of people in the U.S. and other industrialized nations have a negative view of feminists, because it seems that females have most, if not all, of their rights. Extreme feminists, who actually are hateful and like the myths described below, are often given the offensive term “Feminazis.” Due to the prevalence of these extreme-feminist stereotypes, many women and men who believe in equal rights and respect for both sexes will refuse to advocate feminism. Sadly, they do not realize that those extreme feminists are a small fraction of the feminist population, and non-extreme feminists stay away from them. This article should help clear up what the majority of non-extreme feminists believe. Below are some destructive myths about feminism:
1. “Feminism is clearly defined.”
The only clear definition of true, non-extreme feminism is that it demands equal respect and rights for the genders. If a male doctor with the same credentials as a female doctor is given more respect, simply because he is male, feminists will protest that. Since most cultures gave women little to no rights in history, men have been seen as superior to women for centuries. In some ways, it is still a man’s world, and feminists simply want women to be as valuable as men. Like other discriminated groups, females have often felt as if they are regarded as less worthy somehow, whether it is implied or explicitly stated by others. Feminists do not want women to be seen as disposable, selfish, sub-human baby machines that should be replaced with a new “trophy” at the ripe, old age range of 25-30. Feminists do not want rape against females, let alone rape in general, to be acceptable, tolerated, or joked about like a trivial matter. True feminists do not wish to have superiority over males, either. Equal rights and respect are the goals of feminism.
That definition aside, feminist beliefs vary from person to person. Some feminists think it is acceptable for men to be feminists, while others believe that men should merely be called feminist-allies or pro-feminist. A number of feminists may advocate modesty, while others may believe that showing off one’s body is empowering and freeing. There are more variations to consider, but those are prime examples.
2. “Feminists hate men.”
Feminists, at least the vast majority, do not hate men. They may feel resentful and experience despair at the societal disadvantages of being a woman vs. a man (less respect, rape culture, etc.), but most are sane enough to know that good men are out there that support equal rights and respect for women, even if they are reluctant to label themselves as anything related to feminism.
3. “Feminists want ‘more rights’ and want to take over.”
I am not sure what anti-feminists mean when they claim that feminists want more rights. As a feminist, I will say that I have my rights, but I just want more respect. I want to see more people put the blame of rape on the rapist, rather than the victim, saying “she deserved it” because she consented to lesser sexual acts, was drunk, etc.
However, sometimes laws are unfair toward women. Some state politicians in the U.S. wish to restrict healthcare services (cancer screenings, maternity care, etc.) and medication like birth control pills. This discriminates against women in a significant way, as pointed out by organizations like “This is Personal.” For instance, BCPs are a godsend for reproductive control, and give some women relief from female health issues, like cramps, headaches, irregular menstruation, etc. If the government does not allow birth control pills to be covered without copays, or allows pharmacists to refuse to give birth control pills (based on personal religious beliefs) in some states, many women will not get access to the birth control that they need.
I also wonder why anti-feminists say that feminists wish to take over. Non-extreme feminists do not want to kick capable men out of jobs and other roles just so things can be equal. I believe that anyone who meets the standards of a job or role should get it, male or female. I do not understand the notion that acknowledging that a woman is equal in worth to a man, despite physical differences, somehow tears down men.
4. “Feminists see men as ‘useless’ or 'okay to manipulate.'”
Physical differences aside, it is true that women can do just about anything a man can. However, that highlights the need for both genders. To favor any gender and brand the other as “useless” is wrong. Non-extreme feminists realize that, and are grateful for the good men in their lives.
Also, any true feminist will believe that it is wrong to abuse or manipulate a man. Some women may stoop as low as to lie, use sex to manipulate men, etc., but that is not what feminism promotes.
5. "Feminists are lesbians."
This is self-explanatory. Feminists can be male or female, any sexuality, cis or transgendered, conservative or liberal, religious or nonreligious, etc. Feminism has a basic definition (equal respect), so many groups of people can advocate it.
Plenty of feminist women love girly frou-frou things. Others do not, which is also perfectly fine. Like everyone else, individuals within feminism have their own sense of personal style. Feminists merely want the freedom to dress how they want, and many do not want to be required to wear uncomfortable high heels and other physically-damaging style trends in order to look professional, sexy, etc.
7. "Feminism ignores/doesn't care about men."
Yes, men get raped too. But let’s face it: most people who rape are men. Most forms of feminism operate under the notion that even most industrialized nations operate under the notion of patriarchy, where women are seen more like objects or children than actual people. Many people do not realize that patriarchy hurts men too. Patriarchy may take female rape victims lightly, but it also trivializes rape against men and helps to keep the victims silent. Patriarchy may tell women that they will look “easy” if they ask people out, but it also pressures men to be macho and take charge. Patriarchy makes fun of women for being “illogical” and emotional, but tells men that crying (besides the stray, “poignant” tear in speeches) makes them a pansy. Thanks to patriarchy, it is frowned upon for a great, involved dad to stay at home with the young kids while the mom works, and it is frowned upon for a mom to stay at home with the kids unless she has a job as well.
My personal feminist belief is essentially humanism with a different title; the term “feminism” only highlights the significant struggles that women face, and many people are quick to dismiss. This is also called “intersectional feminism.” Racism, ableism, etc., are equally important issues. However, misogyny is widespread and accepted more than any other form of discrimination in the U.S., in my opinion. That is why I call the most attention to respect for women and advocating men to be who they are, rather than basing their self-concepts on a G.I. Joe stereotype.
8. "Feminism is just a political movement."
The political aspects of feminism are nearly complete in the U.S. Aside from a few injustices here and there for women (e.g. the birth control and healthcare coverage issues in a few states), feminism is more social and personal for women in industrialized nations. In countries where women are actually deemed as second-class citizens and/or subjected to abuse under the law, it is still a political movement as well.
9. "Feminists don't deserve equal rights until they get drafted or can take a punch like a man."
First, I will say that I disagree with the draft and think war is a dumb way to solve conflict in general. However, if a draft must be done for some reason, people who believe this myth must realize that most women do not have the physical strength of the average man, let alone the strength of the men qualified for the military. If women were just as strong, it would make perfect sense for them to be drafted too. However, sending females out into combat would just result in many pointless fatalities in our military, as well as exposing women to the terror of getting raped by the enemies as well as their fellow soldiers. Second, nobody should be hitting anyone in a non-war environment. If a woman verbally disagrees with a point of view, gets upset, or even says something mean, she should not be hit in retaliation, especially by a man.
10. "Men who are feminists/feminist-allies/pro-feminist are passive, spineless, white-knighting 'pansies' that are seeking approval or trying to get laid."
Sure, some men may support feminism in a sycophantic manner, but most believe in the cause, consider women as equals, and actively speak out against abuse towards women (e.g. the organization Men Can Stop Rape). Calling out other men on acts such as abuse, rape, sex trafficking, etc., is not an act of disowning your own gender; it’s a matter of having empathy and a sense of justice. Most feminists do not want “yes men;” they want men to use the Golden Rule (treat others as you would like to be treated).
11. "Slacking, non-ambitious, needy man-children are 'what you women got for wanting equal rights.'"
I sympathize for the men out there who cannot find a quality job as easily as they may have decades ago, due to the recession and smaller amount of factory jobs in the U.S. I believe that we need better jobs with more benefits and better pay for individuals who work hard, without the need of a college education. However, I have noticed a disturbing trend among young men in which a significant amount refuse to work, go to trade school, or go to college (in pursuit of a degree that leads to a career). These young men often live at home with their parents well into their mid to late twenties. They almost seem to expect the world to come to them, instead of putting in the effort and hard work they need to do in order to achieve. Lacking ambition, they may smoke weed, play video games, and eat Taco Bell all day while considering themselves just as, or more, educated than a college-educated female, simply because they read Wikipedia. They prefer pornography to sex with real women, because they do not wish to “waste” effort in a relationship, or they feel that satisfying another partner in bed is “too much work.” They may cling onto the Madonna-harlot dichotomy, and blame their lack of work ethic on the feminists. Philadelphia magazine’s “The Sorry Lives and Confusing Times of Today’s Young Men” covers this phenomenon in a disturbing yet accurate manner.
12. "Women had it easy all this time, because raising children and doing housework all day isn’t a 'real' job."
If anyone has ever met a screaming child and/or tried cleaning the whole house in a day, the person likely can empathize with stay-at-home moms who do their job well. This is not including the moms who eat bonbons and watch soap operas all day while the kids are parked in front of Sesame Street. For centuries, women have cooked and cleaned while constantly supervising and parenting their children. Staying inside the house all day with little to no intellectual stimulation can make one stir-crazy. Parenting is the hardest job, in my opinion, and any great parent with young children deserves respect.
I hope that this article has cleared up the common, harmful myths about feminism. True, non-extreme feminism has often been used as a scapegoat regarding modern-day sociocultural issues. However, it is a cause advocated by well-intentioned individuals with the goal of a more utopian society. We can only work toward this vision of a better world via education, tolerance, and justice.
1. “Feminism is clearly defined.”
The only clear definition of true, non-extreme feminism is that it demands equal respect and rights for the genders. If a male doctor with the same credentials as a female doctor is given more respect, simply because he is male, feminists will protest that. Since most cultures gave women little to no rights in history, men have been seen as superior to women for centuries. In some ways, it is still a man’s world, and feminists simply want women to be as valuable as men. Like other discriminated groups, females have often felt as if they are regarded as less worthy somehow, whether it is implied or explicitly stated by others. Feminists do not want women to be seen as disposable, selfish, sub-human baby machines that should be replaced with a new “trophy” at the ripe, old age range of 25-30. Feminists do not want rape against females, let alone rape in general, to be acceptable, tolerated, or joked about like a trivial matter. True feminists do not wish to have superiority over males, either. Equal rights and respect are the goals of feminism.
That definition aside, feminist beliefs vary from person to person. Some feminists think it is acceptable for men to be feminists, while others believe that men should merely be called feminist-allies or pro-feminist. A number of feminists may advocate modesty, while others may believe that showing off one’s body is empowering and freeing. There are more variations to consider, but those are prime examples.
Feminists, at least the vast majority, do not hate men. They may feel resentful and experience despair at the societal disadvantages of being a woman vs. a man (less respect, rape culture, etc.), but most are sane enough to know that good men are out there that support equal rights and respect for women, even if they are reluctant to label themselves as anything related to feminism.
3. “Feminists want ‘more rights’ and want to take over.”
I am not sure what anti-feminists mean when they claim that feminists want more rights. As a feminist, I will say that I have my rights, but I just want more respect. I want to see more people put the blame of rape on the rapist, rather than the victim, saying “she deserved it” because she consented to lesser sexual acts, was drunk, etc.
However, sometimes laws are unfair toward women. Some state politicians in the U.S. wish to restrict healthcare services (cancer screenings, maternity care, etc.) and medication like birth control pills. This discriminates against women in a significant way, as pointed out by organizations like “This is Personal.” For instance, BCPs are a godsend for reproductive control, and give some women relief from female health issues, like cramps, headaches, irregular menstruation, etc. If the government does not allow birth control pills to be covered without copays, or allows pharmacists to refuse to give birth control pills (based on personal religious beliefs) in some states, many women will not get access to the birth control that they need.
I also wonder why anti-feminists say that feminists wish to take over. Non-extreme feminists do not want to kick capable men out of jobs and other roles just so things can be equal. I believe that anyone who meets the standards of a job or role should get it, male or female. I do not understand the notion that acknowledging that a woman is equal in worth to a man, despite physical differences, somehow tears down men.
4. “Feminists see men as ‘useless’ or 'okay to manipulate.'”
Physical differences aside, it is true that women can do just about anything a man can. However, that highlights the need for both genders. To favor any gender and brand the other as “useless” is wrong. Non-extreme feminists realize that, and are grateful for the good men in their lives.
Also, any true feminist will believe that it is wrong to abuse or manipulate a man. Some women may stoop as low as to lie, use sex to manipulate men, etc., but that is not what feminism promotes.
5. "Feminists are lesbians."
This is self-explanatory. Feminists can be male or female, any sexuality, cis or transgendered, conservative or liberal, religious or nonreligious, etc. Feminism has a basic definition (equal respect), so many groups of people can advocate it.
"As a feminist, I will say that I have my rights, but I just want more respect. "6. "Feminists are all unfeminine bra-burners with short hair and combat boots."
Plenty of feminist women love girly frou-frou things. Others do not, which is also perfectly fine. Like everyone else, individuals within feminism have their own sense of personal style. Feminists merely want the freedom to dress how they want, and many do not want to be required to wear uncomfortable high heels and other physically-damaging style trends in order to look professional, sexy, etc.
7. "Feminism ignores/doesn't care about men."
Yes, men get raped too. But let’s face it: most people who rape are men. Most forms of feminism operate under the notion that even most industrialized nations operate under the notion of patriarchy, where women are seen more like objects or children than actual people. Many people do not realize that patriarchy hurts men too. Patriarchy may take female rape victims lightly, but it also trivializes rape against men and helps to keep the victims silent. Patriarchy may tell women that they will look “easy” if they ask people out, but it also pressures men to be macho and take charge. Patriarchy makes fun of women for being “illogical” and emotional, but tells men that crying (besides the stray, “poignant” tear in speeches) makes them a pansy. Thanks to patriarchy, it is frowned upon for a great, involved dad to stay at home with the young kids while the mom works, and it is frowned upon for a mom to stay at home with the kids unless she has a job as well.
My personal feminist belief is essentially humanism with a different title; the term “feminism” only highlights the significant struggles that women face, and many people are quick to dismiss. This is also called “intersectional feminism.” Racism, ableism, etc., are equally important issues. However, misogyny is widespread and accepted more than any other form of discrimination in the U.S., in my opinion. That is why I call the most attention to respect for women and advocating men to be who they are, rather than basing their self-concepts on a G.I. Joe stereotype.
8. "Feminism is just a political movement."
The political aspects of feminism are nearly complete in the U.S. Aside from a few injustices here and there for women (e.g. the birth control and healthcare coverage issues in a few states), feminism is more social and personal for women in industrialized nations. In countries where women are actually deemed as second-class citizens and/or subjected to abuse under the law, it is still a political movement as well.
9. "Feminists don't deserve equal rights until they get drafted or can take a punch like a man."
First, I will say that I disagree with the draft and think war is a dumb way to solve conflict in general. However, if a draft must be done for some reason, people who believe this myth must realize that most women do not have the physical strength of the average man, let alone the strength of the men qualified for the military. If women were just as strong, it would make perfect sense for them to be drafted too. However, sending females out into combat would just result in many pointless fatalities in our military, as well as exposing women to the terror of getting raped by the enemies as well as their fellow soldiers. Second, nobody should be hitting anyone in a non-war environment. If a woman verbally disagrees with a point of view, gets upset, or even says something mean, she should not be hit in retaliation, especially by a man.
Sure, some men may support feminism in a sycophantic manner, but most believe in the cause, consider women as equals, and actively speak out against abuse towards women (e.g. the organization Men Can Stop Rape). Calling out other men on acts such as abuse, rape, sex trafficking, etc., is not an act of disowning your own gender; it’s a matter of having empathy and a sense of justice. Most feminists do not want “yes men;” they want men to use the Golden Rule (treat others as you would like to be treated).
11. "Slacking, non-ambitious, needy man-children are 'what you women got for wanting equal rights.'"
I sympathize for the men out there who cannot find a quality job as easily as they may have decades ago, due to the recession and smaller amount of factory jobs in the U.S. I believe that we need better jobs with more benefits and better pay for individuals who work hard, without the need of a college education. However, I have noticed a disturbing trend among young men in which a significant amount refuse to work, go to trade school, or go to college (in pursuit of a degree that leads to a career). These young men often live at home with their parents well into their mid to late twenties. They almost seem to expect the world to come to them, instead of putting in the effort and hard work they need to do in order to achieve. Lacking ambition, they may smoke weed, play video games, and eat Taco Bell all day while considering themselves just as, or more, educated than a college-educated female, simply because they read Wikipedia. They prefer pornography to sex with real women, because they do not wish to “waste” effort in a relationship, or they feel that satisfying another partner in bed is “too much work.” They may cling onto the Madonna-harlot dichotomy, and blame their lack of work ethic on the feminists. Philadelphia magazine’s “The Sorry Lives and Confusing Times of Today’s Young Men” covers this phenomenon in a disturbing yet accurate manner.
12. "Women had it easy all this time, because raising children and doing housework all day isn’t a 'real' job."
If anyone has ever met a screaming child and/or tried cleaning the whole house in a day, the person likely can empathize with stay-at-home moms who do their job well. This is not including the moms who eat bonbons and watch soap operas all day while the kids are parked in front of Sesame Street. For centuries, women have cooked and cleaned while constantly supervising and parenting their children. Staying inside the house all day with little to no intellectual stimulation can make one stir-crazy. Parenting is the hardest job, in my opinion, and any great parent with young children deserves respect.
I hope that this article has cleared up the common, harmful myths about feminism. True, non-extreme feminism has often been used as a scapegoat regarding modern-day sociocultural issues. However, it is a cause advocated by well-intentioned individuals with the goal of a more utopian society. We can only work toward this vision of a better world via education, tolerance, and justice.
Most Helpful Opinions