Feminism isn’t a dirty word
What is feminism?
Feminism is often synonymous with the absence of femininity. Queue the stereotypical imagery of women wearing flannel, yelling at men, and talking down to women who embrace traditional ideals and beauty standards. While this stereotype is widely perceived as the core of feminism, it actually is a gross misunderstanding that has held back a once thriving social critique. Now people feel embarrassed to say they’re a feminist, because the connotation is that they hold hate in their hearts towards men and feminine women. However the stereotype of feminism is actually the true definition of misandry. Misandry is, by definition, the disliking of men. In casual conversation “feminism” is used interchangeably with misandry, but the two ideals have opposing beliefs. The stigma that feminism carries is actually the true identity of misandry.
What does this mean?
When we give feminism the burden of misandry, we are actually making unnecessary divisions. If you feel that disliking men isn’t something that feels authentic to you, then that is your prerogative, but don’t diss feminism when your real beef is with misandry.
How does this impact people?
Stigmatizing feminism as a concept, isolates people in practice. If being a feminist is considered a dirty word, then that causes people to shy away from it. People are less likely to explore what feminism means to them or even hear true feminists out. It reinforces the traditional narrative that men are meant to be stoic, women are made to be seen (not heard), and the binary is the only truth. The reality is that men are allowed to cry, it is a biological function that every person needs to perform. Women are allowed to have a purpose outside of their families. And people are allowed to flow through the spectrum of masculinity and femininity, with or without labels. The rigidity of the perceived definition of feminism is actually infinitely more expansive in reality. Because the reality is that we are all equals, which means we are allowed to move through every interpretation of true self expression, we so desire.
