Feminism is stigmatized because most people don't know what it means.
One major reason contributing to both the misconception and the stigmatization of feminism is that most people think of feminism only in its most radical form when the most common form of feminism practiced is liberal feminism. Liberal feminism “argues that equality for women can be achieved through legal means and social reform” and is an overall peaceful movement.
Feminism is stigmatized because people don’t take the time to understand it, or even take the time to look up its definition. Many people assume feminists are butch women who hate men. In reality, we want social equality; we want to get paid the same, to be valued for our contributions rather than our bodies and to be respected, is that so bad?
Another misconception is that men can’t be feminists. If you are a man who thinks women should be treated as your equal, guess what? You’re a feminist! Yay!
What is even more surprising is that women actively dismiss feminism because of the social stigma associated with it. By denying feminism, women deny their rights and equality. Many people, including these women, refuse to identify as feminists because they believe that those who do are extremists who repel femininity. I am a feminine woman as well as a feminist, see it is possible!
Anyone can be a feminist and everyone should be! Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone was treated equally? I certainly think so.
The misconceptions of feminism are deeply rooted and are very difficult to change. I hope that more men and women will learn what feminism is and begin to identify as feminists so that we can continue toward social equality.
