Feminism.
(n.) the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of sexes.
There are three very key ideas in this definition of feminism: advocacy, women’s rights, and equality of sexes. By this definition, it seems very easy to be able to classify yourself as a feminist or not. Although, even within this definition, people often confuse feminism with alternative meanings. You may meet people who often associate feminists with stereotypes.
“Feminists hate men.”
“They’re angry all the time.”
“Feminists have no religion.”
“Feminists can only be women.”
Just based on the 13 word definition of feminism, where does it say that feminism involves hating men? Where’s the indication for a lack of religion? More so, where does it say that you have to be a women to sign on as a feminist? First of all, you don’t sign on to be a feminist. You don’t even have to call yourself a feminist to support feminism. Feminism is a school of thought that should be fully put into practice, but you know. Feminism doesn’t characterize a group of people; it defines a movement towards equality.
Here’s the point. Men and women are equal, but we’re not the same. We are just not the same. And it’s honestly pure ignorance if you believe that men and women were created the exact same. BUT WE ARE EQUAL.
Intellectually, mentally, habitually, men and women should be held equally. Women deserve equal amounts of respect and to be treated on the same intellect level as men. A woman should never be denied a job based on her gender. A man should never be denied a lifestyle based on his gender.
Genetically, physically, chemically, men and women are just not the same and this is not opinion based. This is purely factual. Believe it or not, men and women have different brains. They’re wired differently with different chemical makeups. One isn’t superior or inferior to other, they are just not the same.
The bottom line is feminism advocates for this difference is what people think about genders. Feminism is advocating for the equality of men and women. Two people who have completely different personalities, ideas, opinions are clearly not the same, but they are still equal. Next time you’re discussing feminism and what it means, just remember what feminism is really advocating for: equal does not mean the same.
