"Feminists are no good and do nothing for the world. All they do is complain, and they are all feminazis who just want to get rid of men. Women are already equal to men anyways! What are they fighting for? They are completely and utterly useless."
You ever hear people say these kind of comments? I hear them on a pretty regular basis, mainly from conservative Republicans. I ask them "Why? Why do you hate feminism so much? Is feminism really a cancer to society?" Apparently, it is. Below are ten reasons feminists are bad and terrible people according to people who oppose feminism.
1. Women are already equal to men in society!
Um, no. Women still make 70 cents to every dollar due to the absence of paid maternity leave (honestly, men should get paid maternity leave too, because both parents should raise the child, but that is a different story for another day)...and it's not just financial inequality. Women are looked down upon in the business industry and government, and it is tough for them to rise above the men and break the glass ceiling.
2. Okay, well then...women are just trying to gain more rights than men.
Wrong again. Women just want to be held to the same level of respect as men in all environments. They just want to be paid the same, not be seen as a sex object, and not be told they need to be the one taking care of the kids, to name a few things. No, they do not want to take over America and kill all men.
3. It's not the 1800's anymore, so it's not relevant.
Feminism is always relevant. Feminism is more than just giving women the right to vote. It is making sure that every woman is respected and can rise to the same level of opportunity as men. Sounds simple, but people make it seem like they are fighting for useless ideas.
4. All feminists are man-haters.
Feminists. Do. Not. Hate. Men. Period. They hate it when they are being oppressed by males (and patriarchal ideals imposed on by males), and they will speak out and fight when they feel their rights are in jeopardy.
5. Feminism is a "women's club," with "women only."
Men can actually be feminists! Feminists are promoting gender equality, and there is nothing demeaning about being a man and being a feminist.
6. Feminists are only trying to promote women's rights.
Feminists are promoting gender equality. More than often, this does mean women's rights since women have less rights than men. However, they do often promote men's rights when it comes to things that they don't have. Examples include getting men help in domestic abuse, rape, and the right to take a significant part in raising children without a stigma.
7. All feminists do are complain and they do nothing about it. Why don't they go out, get a job, and make themselves be useful in the world?
Feminists are going out and doing something important; they are changing the world and exercising their freedom of speech. The great thing about democracy is that it is always changing. Feminists held democracy keep evolving by voicing people's opinions on what their idea of equality is.
8. You can't change social norms!
100 years ago, it was illegal for blacks and whites to sit together, and women and blacks could not vote. They had no say, and they had no rights. Due to activists, they are now able to do these things, but some things are still rough and need changing. Social norms are changing everyday. Just 20 years ago, there was a stigma for being homosexual. Now, in 2018, it is widely more accepted among people (the youth in particular). Social norms are always changing, and you have to make sure they change for the better.
9. Feminists are bad role models.
Feminists teach people to fight for what they believe in, and to stand up for what's right. They show people how to be strong, dedicated leaders that are working for the people. How is this being a bad role model?
10. Feminists are too radical.
Yes, there are some feminists who do go past the line for many people's standards, but you cannot lump all feminists into one category. Each feminist supports different things, and that can range from conservative to liberal. Do not one bad encounter with a feminist who doesn't support your views ruin the whole experience.
