5 Misconceptions About Feminism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

5 Misconceptions About Feminism

A proud feminist breaking down what that really means.

121
5 Misconceptions About Feminism
Huffington Post

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am, what some trolls would call, a SJW. Yes I admit it, I advocate for LGBT+ rights, Black Lives Matter, etc etc. But in my own terms, I am a feminist, and proudly so. And its strange to me to hear other people say that they aren't feminists, because feminism is "man hating" or simply because they just don't understand exactly what feminism is. Webster's dictionary defines the word feminism as "the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities". But since the dictionary is simply not enough for many people, I have decided to take five common myths about feminism and explain why they are just in fact myths.

1. Feminism is all about bashing men


If you take one thing away from this article let it be this; feminism is about equality. It is not about one sex being greater than or overpowering the other. What people commonly mistake feminism for in this aspect is actually called misandry, which actually is defined as hating men and wanting to overpower men. Anyone who claims to be a feminist and bashes men, or puts men down, is actually a misandrist. And if you call them out of this and they tell you otherwise, then they're just wrong and ignorant.

2. Feminism only focuses on women's rights

As a feminist, I am here for everyone. Feminism is about breaking down gender stereotypes and finding equality for all. A great example of this is the Rape is Rape campaign, which was created by the Feminist Majority Foundation. This fought against laws that discriminated against men and successfully changed the FBI's archaic definition of rape. Thanks to feminist activist Lovina Stannow, the federal government has to now carry out statistical reviews of the incidents and effects of prison rape every year.

3. If you are a feminist, you can't be a housewife, homemaker, etc.

I have heard so many women say they don't need feminism because of this reason. Because "to be a feminist you can't be traditionally feminine" and this is simply not true. Feminism is about women and men being empowered to do what they want and not feel ashamed about it. Which means, if you're a man and you want to be a stay-at-home dad, that is fantastic. If you're a woman and you want to be a housewife, you go for it! If you're a man and you want to be an engineer, or a woman who wants to be a construction worker, that's perfectly fine. The idea that women and men should be doing stereotypical careers is what the fight is against. We are fighting for the freedom of choice without shame.

4. Only women can be feminists

I don't know if I can stress this point enough; feminism is for everyone. A man's worth should not be measured on his masculinity, he shouldn't be seen as "weak" or "sensitive" if he cries, because men are allowed to be emotional too. They shouldn't get clapped on the back or be told to "man up" if they are raped, because rape is still rape. It's seen as this horrible thing when a husband beats his wife, but when a wife beats her husband he's a "pussy" because he was beaten up by a woman. Feminism is about equality for everyone.

5. Men and women are already equal, so feminism is obsolete

In 2016, women only make 80% of what a man does doing the exact same job. Minorities and people of color have it even worse, with Hispanic and Latina women only earning 54% of what a man does for the same job. And feminism is not just for women's issues within the United States. All over the world there are countries that still allow young girls to be sold as brides, genital mutilation, female sex slaves, etc. We are still fighting for women's reproductive rights, which is ridiculous. Three states alone this past year have been trying to pass laws that criminalize abortions, without exceptions for rape or incest. We've seen two college students in the national news get off basically scot free on rape charges. This is not equality. This is why I need feminism.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183969
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10469
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454736
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24634
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments