Feminism. A word defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.”

It’s a word that has recently gained popularity. Of course, feminism is a topic the world has been trying to tackle for a long time, as women are not equal to men in all senses yet. But feminism has recently taken on a negative connotation beyond the idea of gender equality. It has become a stereotype, leading the feminist movement a step in the wrong direction.

Before you read on, think about the word feminist. Just close your eyes and think. What do you see? Let me guess. You see a mad woman who thinks her life is better than any man’s. Well, don’t be ashamed because most of today’s generation is right with you.

To test the extent of this new connotation, a sociology professor asked his class of 50 females if they considered themselves to be feminists. Five people raised their hands. Then he asked the class to raise their hand if they believed in gender equality. Most everyone had a hand in the air.

In today’s modern society, Feminists are seen as the man haters, the bra burners, and the angry women. They believe that their life is far more important than any man’s life and no man should have an opinion about feminine issues. On the other hand, people who are fighting for gender equality are seen as people who are simply fighting for equal rights for men and women.

This is the fatal flaw in modern feminism. This is why women don’t have equal rights. Feminism and gender equality are supposed to mean the same thing. Both words are fighting for equal rights for men and women. Both feminism and gender equality are trying to lead humanity in a positive direction, but only the latter of the two is considered positive.

The word “feminist” is distracting people from the movement’s real purpose, equal rights for men and women. People view the word “feminist” as an exclusionary title, specific to the female side. This feminist stereotype is preventing men from fighting for equal rights. Yes, it’s true. A man can be a feminist! A man can support women in their fight for equal rights. A man can support the idea of gender equality. Yet, this concept seems foreign to today’s generation, and that is yet another flaw of modern day feminism.