The Definition Of Feminism | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

The Definition Of Feminism

It's not about hating men.

974
The Definition Of Feminism
Huffington Post

Feminism:

"The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes" - Merriam-Webster

"The advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes" - Oxfordictionaries.com

"The doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men" - Dictionary.com

"Feminist: the person who believes in the social political and economic equality of the sexes" - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Reread those definitions. Now tell me where in these definitions does it say that women want to take over, that women want to put down men and want to demean and discredit men on their beliefs, opinions and experiences on the basis that they are men? Oh, you can't? Well, that's because that is NOT feminism.

Recently, an article was published in which the writer claimed she is "so over feminists" because she hates the way "feminism" treats men. I, being the kind of person I am, left a comment explaining where she went wrong. In my comment, I used the term "real feminism."

A man commented on it telling me that I do not get to decide what "real feminism" is and that he has had horrible experiences with "feminists" who tell him that he is worthless or that he can't say anything because he's a man.

I went on to explain that there is a "real" feminism, and it is one that advocates equality. He had a bunch of questions about why feminists do or don't believe certain things, and we had a conversation in which I explained everything I knew, and admitted to the points that I actually did not know about. He ended the conversation by thanking me for being understanding of his lack of knowledge and of educating him in a respectful way. And even though he said he still considers himself an egalitarian instead of a feminist, he said, "I hope that voices like your's get louder for feminism so there can be less stigma."

This conversation didn't stand out to me because it took a person who misunderstood feminism and explained it to him and had quality conversation about the topic. It stood out because he thought that the women telling him he was "evil," or the women who tweeted "all men must die" were feminists.

People like that are not feminists, and their use of the title is bad for the movement.

I don't think that men are better than women, but I also don't think that women are better than men. We're different in some ways and equal in others, but all people deserve equal respect. That is the feminism I believe in, and that is the only "real feminism." Feminism incorporates men's issues, such as paternal leave or custody, and it tries to tackle toxic masculinity, which is dangerous for both men and women. Feminism incorporates issues for transwomen and transmen and the LGBTQIA community and is and should be completely intersectional. It needs to address class issues and race issues and sexual identity issues and every other issue because they all stand in the way of full equality.

Reread those definitions again, and remember them the next time people claiming to be "feminists" put down men. Those people are not feminists. Feminism is not "the f-word." It's good. It's important. It's all-inclusive. It's equality.

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.

178345
 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

5541
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...

451369
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.

22681
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