As more and more people join the growing feminist movement these days, the stigma that comes with being a 'feminist' continues to exist. Unfortunately, there are many common misconceptions about feminism that still persist despite our efforts to dissolve them. Whether people are biased or just don't do their research, it's time to change their minds. Here are five things people get wrong about feminism:
1. All feminists are man-haters.
Some people think feminists actually hate men because of our outspoken views on sexism and misogyny. This is probably the most common misconception about feminism, and it's absolutely ridiculous. Wanting equal rights for genders is not the same as being anti-men. While men are the source of the oppression and sexism that women face every day, it doesn't mean we hate them. And just because one or two women who call themselves feminists might also claim that they hate men, it doesn't mean that every feminist does. If you still think feminism is an anti-men movement, you need to do your research.
2. All feminists are lesbians.
Yet another ridiculous misconception of feminism. Feminists are often mistaken for all being lesbians simply because they are focused on women's rights and promoting other women over men. This is a wild accusation, most likely started by men because their ego was damaged. Men have a nasty habit of coming up with ridiculous excuses when they are not the center of attention (because how could that possibly happen when men are just so great?) and this is just one of those instances. All feminists must be lesbians because why else would they focus so much on women when they're supposed to be focused on men, right? If you've ever thought about it this way, you're probably very sexist. Believing all feminists are lesbians is the same as believing women are the inferior sex; both stem from a misogynistic way of thinking.
3. Feminists want women to take over the world.
It's crazy that some people actually believe this, but there is a misconception of feminism where people think we only want women in control. While feminists do want more women in leadership positions, this does not mean we are plotting to take over. Women empowerment is not synonymous with world domination. Feminists don't want to rule the world, we just want to eradicate sexism and all forms of women's oppression. We want to eliminate the gap between the number of men and women in higher paying positions, but that does not mean we wish to fire all men from leadership. It's okay to have men in higher positions as well as women, as long as they treat all women fairly and pay them just as much. Men need to unlearn all of the sexist ways of thinking they've been socialized into before women truly have a shot at this.
4. There is only one kind of feminism and it's extremely radical.
Most people, when asked what they picture when hearing the word "feminist," picture a large woman with hairy legs, big muscles, and a Rosie the Riveter shirt. While this imaginary woman might identify as a feminist, this isn't every feminist ever. There is a huge social stigma around what feminists look like, and it tends to generalize all feminists into one group. Not all feminism is the extremely radical, anti-shaving kind of feminism. And while this may certainly be a kind of feminism for some people, there are so many other types out there. It's important to recognize that there are so many kinds of feminism, each focused on certain social issues to demographics. To marginalize the entire movement into one stereotype is incredibly demeaning and truly illustrates the value that men assign to women's rights.
5. Only women can be feminists.
I can't believe we haven't gotten past this misconception as a society, but some people still think feminism is only for women by women. Wake up, people! It only takes basic research to find out that there are men all over the world who consider themselves feminists. Also, the feminist movement has extended its activism well past women's rights and into gender issues, race issues, and much more. Long gone are the days where feminism focused solely on women (at least for most feminists). After all, 'feminist' is a title/identity based on a belief that everyone should be equal. Anyone who believes this is free to consider themselves a feminist!
Now that you've learned about these false conceptions of feminism, I hope your opinion of us has changed (unless it was already a positive opinion). It's important to do your research and check the facts before you make an argument against a movement so inspiring and powerful.
