A movement begins when society demands change. Change comes with development. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution brought development and prosperity to the world. As society changed, women expected a change in their social status. However, women were still oppressed or neglected. Feminism grew out of the frustration and despair of women, around the world, against the inequalities and discrimination they face solely because of their gender.
Yet, in 2019, Feminism is looked upon with contempt. The majority of the people have misunderstood feminism as a movement against men rather than a movement for women. Here are five reasons why:
1. Some Women are Misandrists
Let’s be honest, the main reason why feminism is seen as a movement against men is that some women or “feminists” hate men and has spread propaganda against them. But this is a small group within a whole who are desperately trying to move against men and everything they do. They are misandrists—women who hate men.
But feminism doesn’t stand for this ideal.
2. The Misconception Passed through the Years
Here comes the good old fashioned way in which discrimination and inequality have prevailed—it has been passed down through generations. And they genuinely believe in the teachings of their ancestors.
For over 200 years, people have labelled women as anti-men, radicals, anti-god, and devil worshipers for fighting for their rights. Their fight for equal wages and suffrage were seen as the act of crazy fanatics. Women were not acknowledged and feminism was labelled as the work of the devil. And that belief exists to this day.
3. Myths that Prevailed in the Society
Myths, false beliefs and exaggeration have caused more damage than good. Women have faced severe discrimination based solely on these factors. If superstition is added to the list, the damages skyrocket. These are also the reason why people believe feminism means “anti-men”.
Women have been physically, sexually and mentally abused for centuries. They are finally fighting desperately to put an end to this violence. But, a false notion that being a feminist means that they believe “all men are rapists” exists in our society. All men are not rapists. The act of a faction of the population can’t be the reason why we label all men as such. It is unfair.
The truth is some women believe in this. They believe “all men are evil”. This has given feminism a negative reputation. However, just as in the case of men, they are a few. The act of a faction can’t be the reason you turn against the whole.
4. Feminists Ignoring the Issues that Affect the Male Population
Feminism by definition is “a range of social movements, political movements, and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes.”
This means that feminism is for the equality of people irrespective of their genders but as women faced injustice in a larger scale than men, the word took the feminine identity.
But some feminists are of the opinion that men don’t face any issues, discrimination or abuse. They do not acknowledge the problems that men encounter. This has spread hatred among men and it has pressurized men to hide their fears and emotions.
But, in reality, men face abuse, trafficking and discrimination just like women. Their rights are equally important. The world is not a safe place for men and women alike. And the true spirit of feminism acknowledges that.
5. Sensationalism and the Pursuit of Fame
Some women who claim to be feminists take the road and sensationalize facts rather than put forward the complete truth. This might impact men negatively. These women vocalize their “issue” loudly and cause noise. These “issues” might not be issues at all and the women believe gaining enough media is their ticket to fame. For example, there are actresses who got so offended in being called one purely to create an issue. Their argument was that the actor did not respect them as women and address them by their names.
Feminism is not a movement to spread hate against any faction. It is the act through which millions are fighting for a stand in the world; men and women alike. Be proud. Be a feminist. Stand to fight against inequality.