Ever overheard somebody in a cafe or a restaurant saying to others, ‘Oh, I am a feminist!’ And did you turn around and give a second look to judge that person? Why there is a stereotypical view for feminists across the world – whether the person is white or black, a homemaker or a professional, a religious being or an atheist, a male or a female!
The dictionary defines feminism as the theory of the political, economic and social equality of sexes. It also points out that feminism is an organised activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.
Are these definitions only restricted between the pages of the book? Most likely, it seems so!
This great feminist movement, just like any other social movements is constantly redefining, evolving and changing. In the present scenario, equality for all people in terms of advocacy and activism is the core idea that is driving the feminist agenda. Yet, there are some very defined notions revolving around the words – feminism and feminists.
Across the world, as cultures change and traditions unfold, these might tweak a little here and there, but the greater truth is that women are still judged by the kind of lipstick they apply or the type of food they cook.
So what are some widespread myths about feminism that make you turn and look at the person in the cafe twice? Let’s try and answer some of those.
1.Feminists hate men
A rightful oxymoron, isn’t it? In reality, it’s quite impossible to hate those with whom you want to be on equal status. Besides, males are feminists too! Maybe, they are outnumbered by women but that’s pretty obvious since the violation of rights is intolerable for the victims themselves.
Feminism is more like a social activity for the affluent class
Back when the concept of non-profit organisations was in the full swing to support charities, donations, etc. a lot of women from economically strong backgrounds stepped forward to lend a helping hand. While this was a very noble cause, society made a notion that these activities are like a social gathering for women to break their mundane routine.
This is so not true! Since it brings out feminism as a subject of entertainment rather than need. Moreover, stats from a lot of studies reveal that feminists activists across the globe represent wide engagement of various cultures, belong to different nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
Feminism is the main cause of divorce in the close-knit culture like India
The concept of women coming from her maternal home and leaving her husband’s out only after her death still prevails in the majority of Indian households. Topics such as exploitation, violence, divorce, etc. are still a taboo in many households and surprisingly amongst all socio-economic groups.
A female taking a bold step like a divorce is yet an indigestible factor and often the women who support these moves are looked upon as the breakers of the family – the villain. Unfortunately, both males and females in typical Indian homes define feminists as brainwashers who only want to end families under the subtle pretext of freedom, equality and justice.
Feminism is a fad – it’s just a hype
Social movements are never something that is connected to a trend. It is the need of the hour. When great movements begin, the masses believe in an underlying cause; there is some issue that needs a resolution. Why then the movement to achieve social, political and economical equality between two genders is looked upon as a mere trend.
To correct the doubting Thomases, feminism dates back to the early nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It was in 1837 when a Utopian socialist and French Philosopher, coined the word, ‘Feminisme’. Over the years, the word meant different meanings to achieve various goals which all narrowed down to achieve equality.
It’s already an equal world. There is no more need for feminism
I once went to a doctor for my son’s check-up when he happened to ask my profession. Upon my mentioning, he gave me a very non-chagrined reaction and said, ‘do women need any more of these rights for protection? Don’t women already misuse them?
I guess it’s not an equal world. Why else would we need a law to protect women against sexual harassment at the workplace? Why is there son meta preference in a lot of Indian homes where they keep having numerous children just to have a son or stop having children at all after the birth of a son? Simple questions, but food for thought!
Wrapping up
Sadly, it’s not only the men in the society that hold these kinds of above-mentioned notions for feminists and feminism. We have witnessed women having formed opinions too. The impact may or may not be because of their patriarchal brought up, though we believe this could be the major driving force.
However, the current times demand a broader perspective. Women are not safer on the streets than they previously are. Even today a lot of rural women are beaten up by their husbands or male family members when they forget to seek permission for basic necessities of life.
The canvas of society with its colourful picture wants to make up for the fact that everything is hunky-dory. But let’s look at the plain white from which the canvas is made. It has a different story altogether. Let’s for once, keep these preconceived notions aside and see feminists as who they are – a contributing factor as society’s changemakers to establish an equal world for all.