Throughout the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of discussions around the topic of feminism. This is a beautiful and positive thing, but unfortunately, throughout these many discussions, the feminist movement has been plastered with many stereotypes and misconceptions, and they need to stop. Here are just a few of them.
1. Feminists don't hate men.
While some feminists may say they hate men most don't feel that way. Men are an essential part of life and need to be around to keep the human race growing and feminists are aware of this. Although some feminist believe the world might be easier without men and think men at some points can be a pain, they are still wanted, and most aren't hated.
2. Feminists don't want to be single forever, trust me.
Speaking from a feminists perspective who believes in true love, not all feminists want to die without finding their soulmate. What is often confused with this stereotype is how long some of us wait to get married. When we look for someone to love, we want someone of respects us; someone who doesn't think that men are better than females and females are only around to do housework and bare children. Plus, if we don't have children with someone how can we grow the feminist mind?
3. Being a feminists doesn't mean the person thinks men are inferior.
Feminists are trying to show that men and women are no different other than the anatomy of their body. They are trying to get the point across that women can do anything men can. By saying this, it isn't saying females are better; it is saying they are equal to men. Although there are some things men can do that women can't, there are also things women can do that men can't. (i.e., giving birth) With these ideas, it shows women should be treated as equal, not better but also not worse. That is exactly what feminists are trying to get across.
4. Feminists still care about their hygiene.
People may think of a feminist as someone who doesn't shave anything and never wears makeup or deodorant. If that's the kind of feminist someone wants to be then they can do them, but for me it's opposite. I love the feeling of shaving my legs and having my legs shine they are so smooth, and when it comes to makeup, count me in (even though I suck at doing it). A feminist can fall under any category of, and someone you last expected could be what some people call a closet feminist.
5. Being a feminist doesn't mean you have to protest.
Someone doesn't get feminism points for holding up a sign at protests. Protesting is a personal choice and just because someone is a feminist doesn't mean they have to be at every or even one protest about women equality.
And to address the most common misconception...
6. You don't have to be a female to be a feminist.
So through reading this article, you might have noticed I tried not to use a specific gender to explain. This is because one doesn't have to be a female to be a feminist. The definition of feminism (according to Merriam-Webster) is "the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes". So if one believes this and wants to stand up or it, whether male or female, they stand under the category of a feminist.
So, please stop listening to what the internet or television says and start getting to know what it actually means to be a feminist.
