Feminism -humanism or euphemism?
How much do you know about feminism?
The term Feminism's first known use was in 1895. Throughout the time, the movement grew and acquired a large number of followers, and today, it's at its peak.
But, are we being true to the movement and the original idea?
Feminism is about economic, political and social equality of the sexes. But, today, when you declare yourself as a feminist, people tend to look at you and attributable declare you as fanatical, do the "rolling eyes" thing, and even go into an argument with you. Been there, done that! To us, who do understand and love the idea of equality, this seems like a pretty low blow to all that's been achieved.
Even though I can not understand how this could've ever happened, because you can always educate yourselves these days (the internet, hey!), I went on and did a little research in order to try and comprehend the reasons behind it.
The negative connotation of the term and all the bad feelings surrounding it?
Many reasons mostly come from the same old "accepting and not understanding" habit, and/or is based on the extreme groups, which many feminist do not acknowledge. Paradoxically, a few year ago, even women on social media declared themselves against feminism, posting their pictures with explanations why they are against it... You've read it right. Women who are against feminism. Not men - us, women. Who would have thought that could actually happen?
So, I will try my best and appoint to the main delusions which led us to this moment.
Feminists are not career obsessed and are not against women who don't want to have it. The idea of feminism is not about forcing the women to work, mocking women who consider motherhood, staying at home and raising their children is their job - it's simply about the option to work, the opportunity to build a career and be successful as a man, as well as making decisions on your own.
Also, feminists do not hate men. It's just about empowering women and not demonizing and humiliating men. And we certainly do not blame the male gender for inequality, but we don't like benefits, behavior, and beliefs of certain man - not all! After all, we all have a brother, father and a male friend(s), who we love and respect.
And to those, who consider that feminism is no longer needed - you couldn't be more wrong. Women rights are still maltreated. Even in the developed countries, they are abused. Sure, we've accomplished a lot, but to declare that inequality doesn't exist - it's simply wrong, and to be honest, it's sad to be misinformed in that scale. Women in all parts of the world encounter mistreatment, and objectification. So, how can you say that we're done?
So, please, stop declaring yourself a feminist while being sassy, mean and arrogant, that's just your nature. If you don't fully understand it, educate yourself first and share your opinion later. Women around the world, or let me say people worldwide, need feminism to enter and reintroduce itself as an original idea, uncorrupted. We all have to understand it and fall in love with. Because if you want to be respected and have equal rights, you are a feminist.
It's not about being a woman or a man - it's not gender based. It's universal idea of being acknowledged, and it's nothing to be ashamed of...
Let me know what you think and share your thoughts about this subject with me :)
Great writings @jovana! There seems to be a Serbian community taking shape here on Steemit and I love that! Upvoted and followed!
Thank you!
Followed... :)
Great text overall, and I do agree with you on some points but i also disagree with you. I am a feminist, and i hate men (not ashamed to say it out loud). And i also blame men for inequality. Who else are there to blame if not men ?
Sure, some men deserve to be hated, but I can't hate the whole gender. As always, there are men who disrespect women, and there are those who don't.
To me, feminism is not about hating and blaming, but changing the opinions and affecting the world.
....@bambicouture said, proving @jovana's point! LOL
This is an interesting comparison of classical vs contemporary feminism. I would actually support the former, but you're right, it's unfortunately become a baseless movement these days which is probably why so man of it's founders have abandoned the cause.
OH gods, I am sorry that I missed this brilliant piece of words.
Well said -- acknowledgement of being our own individuals capable of making our own decisions. No one is to blame, but ourselves, if we do not stand up with kindness and compassion. Feminism is not about hating the other sex -- it is not about being on top. It is just about having a fair shake ;)
Thank you! :)
I don't approve of the new age feminism... We drafted away from the point and the original idea... :)
I couldn't agree more with you :)
Feminism has gone through three stages historically, known as 1st, 2nd and 3rd wave feminism. Having been involved in Gender Studies and written on the topic academically there has been a clear cooling of enthusiasm for feminism since the advent of 3rd wave feminism.
Very generally speaking, 1st wave feminism focused on achieving equality in the eyes of the law and 2nd wave feminism focused on social equality issues. 3rd wave feminism arose as a consequence of the (too) slow adoption by society of 2nd wave feminist ideas, the solution being to become much more aggressive and to incorporate additional repressed/suppressed minorities to amplify their voice. This was accompanied by a rise in the use of increasingly divisive and inflammatory rhetoric in order to draw attention to legitimate concerns.
Whereas this tactic of employing divisive rhetoric does succeed in drawing attention to justifiable grievances, it also alienates many who wholeheartedly support the objectives of 1st and 2nd wave feminism. When 3rd wave feminists employ rhetoric that casts blanket aspersions and advocates violence, such as "All men are rapists... and should be shot" (http://www.dailywire.com/news/8386/feminist-journalist-all-men-are-rapists-and-should-amanda-prestigiacomo -- this is unfortunately only one of countless examples), they anger large portions of the male population (who are obviously not rapists) and alienate the women who care for them while simultaneously making themselves appear as deranged out-of-touch demagogues. As such, a majority of the population actually rejects the label of 'feminist' for fear of being lumped together with 3rd wave feminists.
Unfortunately, the 3rd wave has seriously undermined the reputation of feminism by making it a divisive rather than inclusive issue through its choice of rhetoric. Currently in Britain, not even 10% of people are willing to describe themselves as feminists although ca. 70% believe in equality of the sexes. ( http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/only-7-per-cent-of-britons-consider-themselves-feminists/ ) This is a clear sign that 1st and 2nd wave feminist ideas have taken root in society and will (thankfully) increase in influence. It is regrettable however that 'feminism' as an identifier is now rejected by large portions of the population.