My sister and I recently got into a debate at the dinner table over what feminism really is and if we should be willing to call ourselves such. Now, the Google definition is "the advocacy of women’s rights," not too wild a standpoint if you ask me. But according to an exclusive WhatsGoodly poll, neither men nor women are too eager to admit they are feminists.
The poll asked the question: “Would you say you were a feminist on a date?”
5 percent (241 votes) replied, Yes, I think it’s important to know.
43 percent (2,027 votes) replied, Maybe, if it came up in the conversation.
13 percent (595 votes) replied, No, because it would be a turn-off.
39 percent (1,826 votes) replied, No, I am not a feminist.
About 52 percent of the voters were male and the remaining 48 percent were women. Unsurprisingly, but still sadly, however, 66 percent of the voters who chose the last option, saying they were not feminists, were men.
Here are some of the comments from the poll:
Notabelieber said: Only if it came up in conversation because I think it would be weird to say "Hey nice to meet you, I'm a feminist."
A valid point, Notabelieber, considering the vague wording of the poll, but I’d still consider it within reason, when talking about myself, to say I’m a feminist. Equal rights are very important to me and these topics are probably going to come up if you decide to keep dating this girl! Then again, not every feminist is, (or has to be!), as vehement about these issues as I am.
Laquan said: Feminist not a misandrist.
This is a very interesting and profound statement. One of the most common misconceptions about feminism is that it’s a movement to promote women at the cost of men. But a feminist isn’t “a person who dislikes, despises or is strongly prejudiced against men,” as Google defines a misandrist. You go, Laquan.
Zezima said: Um, no. People know. But women who claim to be feminists have much different values and agendas than what the definition of feminism is.
This comment doesn’t make too much sense to me. What’s the point of being a feminist if you aren’t supporting equal rights? What are these secret “values and agendas”? Which people are “actual” feminists if they aren’t voicing their opinions for the betterment of society?
Fartboxsniffer said: I'm down for equal pay, but commission-based jobs should not have equal pay. That's what skews the numbers between men and women.
I don’t necessarily have a comment for this one, except to laud the username.
Sratbrat said: TBH I'm not a feminist and I'm a woman. I'm embarrassed by what it has become. Heck yeah I believe in equal rights, but feminism is so distorted by liberals they hardly convey what
I don’t believe you finished your sentence, Sratbrat.
NickZurlini said to Sratbrat: ^then that's not true feminism?? That's a skewed view and perspective? OK, so they're giving feminism a bad rep? But by claiming you're not a feminist, you are only furthering these
Again, I’m not a big proponent of the sentence structure here, but NickZurlini makes a good point. How are we ever going to “fix” feminism, if it truly needs to be fixed, if those who have constructive criticism just stand on the sidelines and judge? Join the conversation!
Bencarsonforamerican said: Why would this come up on a first date though?
I think the idea is that you’re getting to know your potential future partner, and the sort of social issues you feel strongly about is definitely a good tidbit to know. For instance, if I was on a date with a guy who said he felt strongly about the white supremacist movement, or neomasculinity, I’d be very concerned and not too eager to schedule a second date. If he’s an advocate of animal rights, marry me right now!
The rest of the comments consist of basically a small debate between a few of the users about the definition of feminism. Some don’t want to associate themselves with modern feminism that has apparently grown away from its roots. Whenever this topic of radical feminism comes up, I always make parallels to religion. Of course, there are radical Christians, Muslims, etc., but it doesn’t mean the religion is bad! It doesn’t mean people should stop believing in God or praying just because there are some people taking things way too far. It’s up to those moderates to continue working in the good name of their religion or cause rather than abandoning it and leaving it in the hands of the radicals.
And by the way, LOL a meninist was commenting… I wonder which option he voted for.