The word Feminism often has a lot of negative connotations. Identifying as a Feminist can sometimes be controversial. However, what if I told you that one of the only things more controversial than saying that you are a Feminist is saying that you are not a Feminist? Time after time, I've seen women be torn down and belittled for simply not identifying as a Feminist. Are these women simply misguided? Do they have "internalized misogyny"? Do they just not understand what Feminism truly means? The answer is no. There are many reasons why a woman might choose not to identify as a Feminist.
When I was in high school, I was first hesitant to call myself a Feminist because I was, and still am, pro-life, and people who are pro-life are often ostracized by those in the Feminist movement. I kept seeing posts on social media saying that Feminism was about equality and that if you believe in equality you must be a Feminist. I was not fully convinced, but I was curious. I have always believed in equal rights for women, but I did not want to give up my deeply held convictions regarding abortion. I did some research and found the organization Feminists for Life, and I was thrilled. Here was a Feminist organization that accepted people like me. I thought to myself, "Well, I guess I am a Feminist after all." As I got older, however, I saw that other Feminists were not always as accepting. If someone did not identify as a Feminist, their opinions were often disregarded, and many Feminists seemed to care more about the label of being a Feminist rather than whether or not a person believed in equality. This is still often the case today. Women who do not identify as Feminists are often dismissed as being misguided or selfish even if those women are in favor of women's rights.
What many Feminists often fail to realize is that ideologies can often overlap. For example, Republicans and Libertarians might not always agree on certain issues, but they are often able to find common ground and work together despite ascribing to different ideologies. I strongly believe that it is possible for Feminists, Egalitarians, and anyone else who advocates for equality to work together and help make the world a better place. People are not going to always agree with each other, and that is perfectly fine! In fact, having a variety of perspectives address important issues can help create solutions that have a better chance of benefiting everyone.
"Feminism is about equality," many Feminists argue, and according to Merriam-Webster, Feminism is defined as "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes" and an "organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests". However, Feminists do not have a monopoly on equality. Many people who do not identify as Feminists still believe in equal rights for women. They might identify as Egalitarian or simply not want to ascribe a label. Many pro-life women also often feel alienated by the Feminist movement. If Feminists want people to join their movement, then they should stop belittling those who don't want the Feminist label. Women who do not call themselves Feminists are not weak, and they are not ignorant. If Feminism is about supporting and empowering women, then it should include all women.
