Categories
Life Writing

Feminism.

Lets talk about feminism today.

Since my blog mostly comprises of things I’m passionate about, today, I’ll talk about one of the more serious things I believe in.I am a proud feminist and today I’ll be telling you why,along with clearing some of the air around feminism.

When I say ‘feminist’ the first image that comes to your mind is probably the rabid little subsidiary that has been created out of feminists, casually referred to as ‘feminazis’.They are,in case you are unaware the exact opposite of the patriarchal system, that is,they promote the female as the supreme gender and diss all men for being douchebags.They are quite a bunch, known for badmouthing,attacking,being narrow-minded and are actually quite widespread,especially on the internet,adding to the problem.They have created all this stigma around feminism,which at its core is nothing but a very simple belief which I will just elaborate for you.

ebabf0308529ed7589cad08d86473a8d

True feminism is nothing but a belief in the equality of the two sexes.It is considering the male equal to the female and is the concept of having no supreme gender.It is not exactly anti-patriarchy as much as it is anti-sexism and just believing that everyone is created equal and that there is no divide between us.It is not considering anything to be a thing ‘boys’ do or a thing that is so ‘girlish’.It is not questioning the person’s gender with respect to what they want to do.It is being okay and letting a boy cry because he’s a human being and not reprimanding him for ‘crying like a girl.’It is letting a woman be educated,independent and let her earn for herself and not calling her out for it because that is a ‘man’s job’. It is letting a guy come out as an assault victim and not questioning him for not fighting back because he’s a ‘man’.It is not considering a female an ‘object’ to leer at and pass comments about.It really is just a belief in equality which is the most basic construct to believe in as a decent human being with a conscience.

tumblr_ncbavkh6yp1qb6v6ro1_500

Now,why this much of a fuss around it then? Partly because of the feminazism.Partly due to the name itself. Why ‘feminism’ and not something like ‘equalism’ if it is a belief in equality ,you ask? To that my first instinct would be to remind you that our entire species is referred to as ‘mankind’.The second would be,as Mr.Shakespeare has said,”What is in a name?” Thirdly,I’ll provide you with the logical reason for it. Most societies in today’s world have been patriarchal for ages.The women have had the shorter end of the stick for so long and simply need more uplifting and empowerment than men in most sectors.Even today,more women are catcalled on the streets than men are.More females are uneducated and the worldwide sex ratio is still unfavorable to women.So,while feminism aims at uplifting both sexes and bring them at the same level,since it will benefit women more, it has been called feminism.In all honesty, I don’t see the reason behind the big hullaballoo about it.

So,can men be feminists?Or are only females feminists? If you are a human being and you believe in the equality of the sexes, you pretty much already are a feminist. Unless you are sexist and consider the opposite sex to be below you and not worthy of the same human rights as you,you are a feminist.You may not like to hear that because of the controversy around being a  feminist these days.But that happens to be the truth.Take it the hard way or accept it now.Your choice.

watsoninvitation

Now,as to why I am a feminist?I have been and continue to be a witness to and on the receiving end of sexism .It angers and infuriates me and I want to bring about a change in the common notions society has about gender quality.I have respect for all people and do not believe in any divisions.In short,I’m a feminist because I believe in equality and respect for all.That’s all.

Here is a link to Emma Watson,the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Women and one of my idol’s powerfully enlightening  speech at the UN Assembly at the start of her movement against gender inequality, HeForShe. It for me represents what the actual ideals behind feminism are. All her pictures throughout my post are quotes from the same.

THIS POST’S QUESTION: Are you a feminist? Comment below with what you think about it,I’d love to hear from you!

By Arushi Singh

In the pursuit of expressing oneself.

103 replies on “Feminism.”

I’m a feminist. As a white male who believes in freedom and equality, tolerance and justice, it is easy to be a feminist and anti-racist. The world would be a much better place for everyone with a good dose of equality and fairness.

Liked by 6 people

LOVE. My site Vintage Feminist is built on the same values. I never really thought as being a feminist until I really thought about it and like you said it’s about being equal and more importantly RESPECTED equally. There are greater issues I know, but if men and women respected each other and welcomed them to be and do anything with open arms the world would greatly benefit. A term like ‘equalism’ is an interesting thought as well. LOVED reading this! Thank you!

Liked by 2 people

I’m so glad to hear that.It has been mostly similar for me,I realised that I had always been a feminist,even when I didn’t know what it meant.Thank you so much for your lovely views! They make me so so happy!! Also,this is actually one of the reasons why I love your site a lot too!

Liked by 1 person

I am conflicted on being called a feminist. I have yet to sort out my views from a African American woman’s standpoint and my own personal views of how I want to be treated in respect to relationship from the opposite sex. I am still working all of this out. I certainly believe in equal rights for women but, when men say things like I don’t have to be a gentleman or a woman gets upset when a man holds the door open…I get a little perplexed. I do like your article and openness on the topic!

Liked by 2 people

I’m proud to be a feminist. I used to have a negative connotation of the word when I was younger, but I realized that I was always a feminist because I had always believed that all people deserved to be treated equally. I’ve been a little skeptical of celebrities nowadays throwing it around as a buzzword and thinking they should get extra credit for calling themselves feminists. To me, it’s a no-brainer!

Liked by 2 people

I’ve done some posts about this recently too 🙂 Have you read any of Clementine Ford’s pieces about this? She’s a very vocal Australian feminist and, while some of her stuff is certainly thought-provoking and possibly could be construed as inflammatory, she’s done/said some seriously awesome stuff. Well worth checking out if you’re interested in this kind of stuff 🙂 Have you read much feminist literature?? That’s one of my big ‘to-do’ list items.

Liked by 2 people

I am a feminist, definitely, and as you say, this is not to be little one gender or the other, quite the opposite. This is to validate genders equally. In the end we are all humans, how does your reproductive system (pardon my boldness) define who is better than who?
And yes, women empowerment for educating women, for not to feel or think less of themselves, not being objectified or badmouthed.
Most importantly this is not: XX vs XY!!! Humankind should stick in this united.

Liked by 2 people

I am a feminist, and i am appalled the “traditions” and mentality of Indians(including the educated), not only are they sexist but i have seen many women who have lived there life in oppressed that they have accepted their “inferiority”. This is what i think is the worst kind of abuse and is deleterious to the society not just women. Also i think that you would agree with me that each and every human should be equal and should not be discriminated on the basis of their colour, religion, race, sex, or ANY of their physical or mental attributes and also shouldn’t be led to believe that they are inferior or should have any reason to be embarrassed of themselves.

Liked by 2 people

This word is just used in all the wrong ways possible these days.
I believe in treating the person opposite as a human being first, before any prejudice.

Liked by 2 people

I realised I was a feminist after reading the book manhood. Amazing book and the first time I thought of feminism in the way you describe, as equality. In truth I have always been a feminist but the word is so convoluted and ostracised that it has been so hard to really understand or want to admit to. I’m so glad that more and more people refer to feminism and mean equality for all.

Liked by 2 people

Who is the author? I’m really trying to start on feminist literature and it sounds like a great start.I feel like almost everyone feels that way about calling themselves a feminist at some point.Its a sad consequence of misconstruing the word so much by elements of media and the abundant feminazis. It’s a great thing that awareness is increasing these days,thank you!

Liked by 1 person

Steve Biddulph is the author. The book is manhood. I read it because at the time I was going through a separation with my husband due to him having anger issues. And once I read it I gave it to him to read when I left him. It actually changed him, it changed his relationships with everyone. And happily, he and I are back together and as in love as ever, and certainly happier than ever. Awesome book for men and women to read….

Liked by 1 person

For sure! And more people willing to read, and be open to what is written, and to be courageous enough to realise they might need to change and to then do something about it.

I hope you can find it. It’s a great book.

Liked by 1 person

I completely agree with what you’re saying, it’s really frustrating to have double-standards thrust upon you. Whilst I agree with you that feminazis are definitely more harming the cause for equality, I can understand why they feel pushed to be so extreme, although I don’t condone their actions. I think as females we are often forced to put things across in an inoffensive manner, otherwise we are written off as ‘hormonal women’.

Liked by 2 people

To be honest, “feminist” has been rather a negative trigger-word for me, but your explanation is very good. My grandfather, W. O, Carver, was a staunch supporter of women in Christian ministry, and the Biblical principle of “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female” was definitely taught in our home. (My brother got into sewing from being fascinated with our mother’s sewing machine, and for many years has made most of his wife’s clothes.) That said, the reason “feminism” has been negative has been the insistence in some quarters that men and women are the same. They are equal, certainly, and aren’t to be put in boxes, but they aren’t the same. (I could go into a medical/psychological dissertation on that, but I won’t.) However, I certainly applaud your effort to remove stereotypes. Incidentally, thanks for the follow!

Liked by 2 people

I’ve always thought that is a beautiful belief.I consider equality as being respected the same and having the same rights and never being literally equal as male and female are most certainly not. They are both different and I,as a feminist ,aim to find unity among the differences . Thank you so much for your honesty and insights!

Like

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It couldn’t be more true that men often take a step back when they hear about women’s issues. What they don’t know is that when a conversation strikes up about women’s rights, men need to be first at speaking up about this issue. Men need to get more involved. Even though women are the ones struggling, we can’t forget that the struggle happens because of male patriarchy. I see this more of an issue men need to address, but sadly we don’t see this very often. Like Watson said, “gender equality is your issue, too”. I just think that people need to start changing their perceptions on what it means to be a “feminist”. If more men proudly called themselves that, there would be no shame associated with the word.

Liked by 2 people

Love your writing about this issue. I also feel like I’m a feminist and I’m also passionate about this issue especially seeing as the social awareness about gender equality in my surroundings are still very low. There are times when I keep on questioning other people and also myself about whether or not the society that we live in now is ready to accept the ‘equality movement’. And sometimes I also feel pessimistic about this issue, but writings like your post really gave me more insights about what being a feminist is all about. I also feel like we are slowly changing and gradually people are becoming more and more aware of this issue. Thanks for that. Keep on writing about what you’re passionate about and let’s keep on bringing more awareness to the people around us. Cheers!

Liked by 2 people

Thank you.In the current scenario,its only natural to be saddened by the status of equality of the sexes in the world today.The only source of hope and motivation is the progress that we have made,people are recognising this issue as very immediate and real and are speaking on it.Thank you so so much.

Like

That is an amazing post.It raises so many points of importance and was quite an intriguing read,as I myself have witnessed people of colour not realising that they are just as sexist as a white man next to them.

Like

I am a proud feminist and I love hearing from other people who are passionate about feminism. I especially love seeing men or male aligned people who are feminists, because feminism truly is for everyone.

Liked by 2 people

The biggest problem with modern feminism is that it has been taken over by the feminazis, and they are the main ones with power and influence. The term now has such a stigma that it may be beyond saving (like the roman salute and the swastika)
I reckon the best thing to do is to identify not just as a feminist, but as a traditional feminist – the kind that actually cares about equality and doesn’t go after non-issues or push lies and narratives.

Liked by 2 people

This Is Amazinggg.! I’ve Read So many articles,posts,debates.etc. about feminism..but your post pretty much sums the whole issue up..A lot of people debate on the issue that feminism is a way to bring females to a superior level than men..I’m sure they’ll get their doubts cleared after reading this .:)

Liked by 2 people

Just came across your post after writing my own: “Am I am feminist?” I really appreciate your definition of feminism as an all-inclusive movement. I think a lot of men are afraid of feminism, which manifests as anger, resentment, etc., because they either don’t understand it or have only been shown the angry/resentful side of “feminazism” as you describe it. I think you’ve done a great job of outlining a framework that will better engage men in a movement about which they should care a great deal. I’d be interested in your feedback on my post. Have a great day, and thanks for your work!

Liked by 3 people

Thank you! Feminism has been so misconstrued these days that even females are afraid of being associated with it so I decided to just clear some air around it.Glad you found it good! I’ll just have a read on yours too. Have a great day too!

Liked by 1 person

Yes! So glad to hear others fighting for feminism! I am super into feminism, and I actually have written some posts about it, especially over body expectations like stretch marks, makeup, and shaving. I would love if you checked it out!!

Liked by 2 people

I’m a feminist and have convinced many of my peers of all types of genders and backgrounds that they are, too, they just didn’t know it yet! I ask myself and women around me, “Are YOU making this choice? Does this decision support you, or please someone/something else first?” In my world, as an advocate, it’s a way of living and thinking equally, with respect, with immediate consequences for oppressive behaviors. I feel the need to have this conversation often, and point out when I see unfairness. It’s so important to make people who are oppressive FEEL TERRIBLE. They will wake up with enough jostling. Then, ex-oppressors will start viewing the system as terrible too. And a lot of men subconsciously contribute to oppression of themselves, each other, as well as women, and go through a realization when it’s brought to light. Love your post!

Liked by 2 people

Of course! People nowadays don’t seem to grasp the idea of why we should all be feminists. People argue that women have already achieved so much and stop being a “hassle” and that we should be happy with what we have, BUT if it weren’t for us feminists, then we wouldn’t get anything done! Great article!

Liked by 2 people

Hey! I absolutely loved your post. I too am a proud feminist. In fact I joined WordPress just today and my first post is about what I learnt from Emma Watson’s speech, the same one you are referring to. I’d love it if you could check it out because I have a feeling we share the same beliefs, and since I’m new here I could really use the feedback. But even if you don’t, that’s perfectly okay. Your post was beautiful. :))

Liked by 2 people

This is a great post, and probably must have watched that speech a hundred times- it gets better every time! I loved the part you wrote about wanting to see change, I wrote something similar on my blog and reading others’ stuff really empowers me. Seeing so many people feeling the same way as me gives me so much hope for the future, let’s do this together! xx

Liked by 2 people

Leave a comment