Every so often, I run into some backlash from people who misunderstand what the term feminist means. I have been called a "man hater," an "angry lesbian," an "uneducated liberal," along with many other choice phrases which I do not identify with. However, there is one I do identify with, that needs some clearing up, and that is "feminist."
The Oxford English Dictionary defines feminism as: advocacy of equality of the sexes and the establishment of the political, social, and economic rights of the female sex; the movement associated with this.
Now, let's get some things settled: feminist stereotypes.
1. You all hate men!
We do not hate men, we hate sexist men... AND sexist women for that matter!!
2. Feminists do not shave.
Why is this even an item of discussion? Who cares if someone shaved two days ago or two months ago? If it is not your body, quite frankly it is not your business.
3. All feminists are lesbians.
I know a lot of feminists of all sexual orientations whether they are bisexual, straight, lesbian, pan-sexual, asexual... really the list goes on and on.
4. Feminists are ugly!
Hear that, Ang? You stupid, ugly feminist.
5. All feminists are baby hating and pro-abortion.
It is not pro-abortion, it is pro-choice. As in having sole authority over what one can do to their own body.
6. Feminists do not care about the objectification of men.
No, no, no! Not true! Any time anyone is being judged solely on their physical appearance is an issue.
So what do feminist want? Being a feminist is not just all black and white.
1. Equality among all races of women and men.
White feminism is prevalent and completely disregards women of all races. Open your mouth about racism against women of African American, Latino, Asian, Indian, Native American, etc. backgrounds. White women are not the only women who matter!
2. Stop gender discrimination.
End violent acts against women, transgender women and men, the gender fluid, the gender-queer, etc. Why is it anyone's business what another person identifies as? We are all the same. We all breathe the same air, pump blood and have feelings that should be acknowledged and respected.
3. Stop sexual orientation discrimination.
Why are people still discriminating against members of different sexual orientations? Why does it matter if a man and woman marry? It doesn't, you say? So then why does it matter if two men want to marry? Why does it matter if two women want to be married? Exactly. It doesn't. Love is love and everyone needs to realize that.
4. Equality, both economically and socially.
We should not be paid less than men simply because of gender. We should all be ranked according to our skill sets. Hey guess what, this is also still racial biased! We do not think white women should not be paid any more than women of another race.
Feminist stereotypes are absolutely ridiculous. They trivialize the actual meaning of feminism which is equality among people of all races, genders, and sexualities.
