Why I HATE Feminism!

asheslee
Why I HATE Feminism!

Think of the word FEMINISM and the word FEMINIST. What do you think of? What images immediately enter your mind? Though I believe myself to be a strong woman who never hesitates to share her opinion with others, I have a secret to share: I HATE FEMINISM! Honestly, I believe that the Feminist movement as a whole is not helping my gender, but is rather hurting us. In fact, I assert that the modern Feminist movement is actually creating oppression for women.

I am often labeled a Feminist by many of the people who know me best. Undeniably, I believe in and advocate for women's rights. I believe that women are smart and capable, and I never hesitate to interject my opinion when I feel that someone is suggesting otherwise. I do NOT, however define myself as a feminist. In fact, I am actually offended when someone dares to brandish me with such a title. Why, you may ask? First and foremost because I never asked for the title nor officially joined the movement, but also because I know what images come to mind when you think of the words feminism and feminist.

Modern society associates the feminist movement with masculine man-haters who want to trade in their femininity to ensure that they become alpha over men. When most people think of feminists, they think of bra-burning, granola eating women who loathe and detest their male counterparts. Contrary to the thoughts of these man-hating beasts, I must admit that I am in awe of the male specimen. I absolutely ADORE men! I also do not think that men and women are the same. We are innately different physically, mentally and emotionally.

Don't get me wrong. I am immensely grateful for the brave women who participated in the suffrage movement and first wave feminists who bravely asserted that women should receive property rights and the right to vote. These women were fearless and truly stood for something that bettered the lives of all women who came behind them. Feminism today, however, looks much different. There are many feminists who honestly assert that men and women are THE SAME. This concept is ridiculous to me. There is an actual term for this: Third Wave Feminism. I abhor most of what defines Third Wave Feminism. Not only am I different than these Third Wave Feminists, I never asserted that I was a feminist in the first place.

I never signed up to be a feminist. Not once did I enlist, enroll, pledge allegiance... none of it! Why then, do I automatically receive a label? Do I not get at least a voice in this equation? To me, labeling every opinionated and outspoken woman as a feminist is the same as asserting that all Latinos like eating tacos or that all Christians vote Republican. It is simply NOT true and it is offensive to the recipient. I DO NOT WISH TO BE STEREOTYPED AND CATEGORIZED. All opinionated women are not the same, just like all members of a race or religion are not the same. To suggest otherwise is simply ridiculous.

I do not believe that I am different from most women. Most of the women I know love men, they enjoy shopping, wearing make-up, the feel of a brand-new dress or killer pair of shoes, but they do believe that women are smart and capable. If they happen to speak up for what they believe in, have enough respect not to simply lump them into a category and label them as a feminist. Just like our male counterparts, we want to be recognized and valued for our individuality, and the overwhelming majority of us have no desire to be given a title that mentally strips us of most of what we associate with femininity.

Why I HATE Feminism!
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