Now, before you click away (because feminism is icky), I want you to forget everything you thought you knew about feminism. Let the bra-burning, man-hating women who have severely skewed your perception of this movement fade away, and realize that just because they’re the loudest doesn’t make them right. Ignore the assumption that feminism is “inherently sexist” because men have problems, too. Trust me guys, the world hears you and is trying to fix it – with feminism.
It’s a pretty crazy claim, but feminism is a movement for men as well. Feminism covers a wide variety of gender-based discrimination, including male issues. I know what you’re thinking because I’ve been told it only a million times, “If you believe in equality, then why don’t you just call yourself an egalitarian?” Because being a feminist means a person has realized that being a man has some advantages – like a higher likelihood of getting accepted to college and higher paying jobs. Now, living with an egalitarian mindset is far from a bad thing. That’s actually
amazing – for you. While you may treat people equally, that doesn’t mean the rest of the world is following in your footsteps. Unfortunately, as far as basic liberties are concerned, women still have a few more boxes to check off before we’re actually on the same level with our male counterparts, and women of color have an even longer list.
Feminism is, however, a movement for gender equality, not female superiority. So, by definition, it advocates for problems facing the men of the world, as well. For example, the use and growing availability of contraception (for both men and women) has allowed couples to be able to start families when they want, and some countries are even allowing for paternity leave so fathers can spend time with their children during those crucial first months of life. It has shown that men are also subject to unrealistic body image standards and has back movements such as the "Dad Bod" phenomenon to show men that a six-pack isn’t necessary. It has brought light to domestic and sexual violence against men and is working to make male victims more comfortable with coming forward, as well as making their attack feel validated because, well, it is.
Additionally, feminism has fought to end discrimination in the workplace. If a woman wants to perform a job typically done by a male, then let her. If a man wants to perform a job typically done by a female, let him. It’s a movement to break down rigid gender roles and allow people to be people, which benefits everyone.
So, why is feminism such a bad word? To put it bluntly, it doesn’t mention men in the name, so it’s not thought of as a men’s movement.
The name is derived from the fact that women have been the most marginalized gender, so the movement started with the Seneca Falls convention – which focused on women’s suffrage and ending the “cult of domesticity. As each wave was introduced, feminism began to take on new issues concerning not only men, but also issues of race and sexuality. This is called intersectionality, and it’s very prevalent in contemporary feminism.
So, what’s the point of this article? The purpose is to show men and women alike that feminism isn’t a bad movement nor does it exclude men. While they may not be the focal point of the basic issues, the movement is working to break down gender roles – giving everyone an opportunity to be who they want and do what they want. It doesn’t impede on traditional values; it merely gives everyone a choice. A choice to use contraception. A choice to allow the father figure to stay home with a newborn. Feminism also tries to establish basic rights such as equal pay (for all races and genders) and a fair trial and investigation for cases of rape and domestic violence, regardless of gender. It doesn't make women hate men or turn anyone into lesbians. In sum, it’s important to remember the feminism is a movement for equality – not superiority.
