Most Common Misconceptions About Feminism

What exactly is Feminism? Feminism is all about women's liberation; the liberation in a world where men are not only looked as superior, but also run the world and tell women what we can or cannot do. Feminists dream of a world where we can be treated equally as men. We do not care

It 's unfortunate that when some people hear the term feminism, they automatically place that as a negative word and it becomes something they don 't want to be associated with. It is unfortunate that people will try to avoid it however, people will still embrace the feminist politics. As feminist scholar Susan A. Mann (2012) describes, when people refuse to identify as a feminist they create the "I 'm-not-a feminist-but" syndrome. This refers to when people understand the importance of struggles with gender issues, such that include the wage gap or domestic violence, but they will still reject the notion that it may actually mean they are a feminist if they are fighting for that cause. Feminism has a simple definition, it means that women seek gender equality through political, social, and economic gain.

Feminism is a living word. There can never truly be a one set definition for the word as the term has often shifted meanings to correspond to the time period. Feminists fight for the rights that men have under the United States Constitution and to have the right to not be discriminated against. Any action against any woman, intentional or not, goes against the principles that many women and men stand for.

The definition of feminism is very elusive. Maybe because of its ever-changing historical meaning, it’s not for certain whether there is any coherence to the term feminism or if there is a definition that will live up to the movement’s variety of adherents and ideas. In the book “No Turning Back,” author Estelle Freedman gives an accurate four-part definition of the very active movement: “Feminism is a belief that women and men are inherently part of equal worth. Because most societies privilege men as a group, social movements are necessary to achieve equality between women and men, with the understanding that gender always intersects with other social hierarchies” (Freedman 7).

Feminism is the advocacy of the rights of women based on the theory of equality of the sexes (Oxford English Dictionary). It is built on the principle that women have innate worth, inalienable rights, and valuable ideas and talents to contribute to society. Feminists fight for equality in every dimension of society, for both equal rights with men and equal respect.

The definition of “Feminism” is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men, or in other words, “Feminism is the radical notion that women are people too,” (Cheris Kramarae).Women have gone through periods of worship, to periods of worthlessness, to somewhere in between. Women, a vital component to humanity, are starting to be valued again.

In the minds of many, feminism is confused with misandry, the belief that women should be more powerful than men; however, this could not be further from the truth. Feminism is women, men, and nonbinaries taking a stand, together, for equality. Fighting for unshaved female legs, fighting for late night walks through the park completely alone, and completely safe. Fighting for higher rates of self esteem and complete acceptance without judgment. Feminism tells males that it is okay to cry and show emotion. Feminism teaches the world that we are all the same, that we should strive for a better world for all. Feminism is the fight for equal rights and equal treatment in all areas of society, regardless of gender or sexual identity.

For the record, feminism by definition is: ‘the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.’ It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes. (Watson 1)

A common misconception of the movement is that feminists believe that women are better than men. However, the definition of feminism is “the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.” Feminists are fighting to be granted the same rights and opportunities as men, not to be granted rights and opportunities that surpass those of men.

By definition, feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. Feminists believe in granting people the freedom to pursue their own ambitions, irrespective of whether they are male or female, and to be rewarded for their effort in a way that is equal to their other co-workers (Wright). One would think that this would be a cause that anyone, man or woman, would be proud to stand behind. Unfortunately, that is not the description society correlates with feminism. In today’s world, “feminist” is a label that many are hesitant to claim, myself included. Before I had researched in depth the history of feminism and its goals I was one of those people who bought into the stereotypes. I

What does it mean to be a Feminist? Does it automatically mean you hate men or does it mean you're an activist for women's rights? Contrary to popular belief, feminism is not about establishing a superior gender. It is about fighting for equality and destroying the social, cultural and historical norms set upon women throughout the world. The Twenty-first century has brought change and growth to female empowerment. Although, in many parts of the world women are given the same rights as men, they are still treated and viewed inferior to men. G.I. Jane perfectly illustrates the struggle women have gone through, even when given “identical” opportunities as men.

While many people have misconception about feminism, Feminism is an empowering movement, with a mission to bring hope to those who are distorted and to provide equal opportunities to women. A feminist is a person who believes and puts into practice the principle of equality between men and women. Feminism goal is to guide the world to a place where gender relations, respect, the principle of equality, freedom is common interest. Women 's movement is not just limited to the search and assertion of equality between the sexes but also seeks to free women by giving them the tools to assert themselves as individuals, so they can control their own bodies and all other dimension of their lives.

The Webster’s dictionary is the definition that I agree most with concerning a true description of feminism as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities”. I do not define feminism with any of the stereotypes in our society that feminism just means women are expecting special treatment, it does not mean that feminist should hate anyone, or think that women are simply better than men. I define feminism as recognizing that both men and women are talented, intelligent and capable and should be experience equality, have the same rights and to be treated with respect. We should be working on building each other up, not tearing each other apart.

Feminism is a movement that started in America during the early 20th century and continues on to present day. It advocates for the right of women to have equality with men and to have rights to their own bodies. With this idea, feminism includes many different types of women and is not exclusive. It applies to women of color, disability, and those in the LGBTQ+ spectrum (Feminism). Feminism must work to be more inclusive, especially with transgender women and improve the condition for them.

Many people are often misinformed or given bad first impressions of feminism. However, feminism is equal rights for all people of different race, sex, gender, and sexuality. Many of the people that give feminism a bad name, include a self-proclaimed feminist that is running for presidency, and meninists who are satirical equal rights activists. In reality, feminism is pro-gender equality and opportunities for all types of people.