5 Misconceptions about Feminism

Feminism is a term that has been given a lot of hype lately. Everyone seems to have their own opinions and views about it. This term has given a diverse and rather complex dimension to all the racism, sexism, and other social evils that have existed on this planet from the earliest of times. All the inequality, injustice and ignorance have been potentially jerked over the past decade. Men and women have acknowledged that this term isn't just a 21st century trend, but it is something bigger even potent to mould the world into a more multi-opinionated platform.

But how this term is perceived is a whole different domain that needs to be attended. Everything that gets hyped and become popular, can always become a little controversial. Some people in the modern world are really holding themselves back when it comes to feminism, because they get the feeling of being an extremist. However, some of them do not shut up to let the other gender down. To them, this term really gives a rebellious vibe, as if there is a battle between two opposite genders that seems to be never-ending.

Feminism is equality, as we all have heard, but do people really believe that? It’s not completely unbelievable. However, some misconceptions and misunderstandings are the barriers that are stopping commoners to believe that. So here are five of the most important ones:

1. Feminists do not respect men: As ridiculous as it sounds, as much does it lacks the truth. Prior to everything, how come here the term ‘men’ emerged when feminists are both men and women. If you believe in equality you don’t have to be a female, you just have to be a human being. It’s simple as that. Being equally respected is what feminism actually stands for, so how can it preach something entirely opposite? Respect is a basic human right and any contradictory concept is not supported by it.

2. Feminism means “female dominance”: We might have often come across a statement “it’s a man’s world”. And it is not untrue. It is indeed a male-dominated society, which is naturally problematic for women. Because, there is no scale that measures that which gender gives more to society so they shouldn’t be someone dominant. It is rather immature to assume that there actually is one who is superior. But being equal to one another? Yes, now that’s something that our intelligence settles with. Why should one become inferior when both are equally contributing? In a man’s world if women speak about equality, it isn’t the motive to one day make it a “woman’s world”. But to simply get rid of a gender tag before the word ‘world’.

3. Feminists are not 'equalists' because they only promote women: It is one of the most frequently asked questions as well as a thought-provoking statement. The simple answer is that, there is always the problem name that is used to call the problem. If someone is having a heart failure, what would you call it? A lung failure? No, because it the heart where the problem lies. Similarly, if those are the females who are not considered equal, then the movement would be called feminism, not “equalism”. It’s not even a problem.

4. Feminists do not have successful marriages/relationships: A successful marriage or a thriving relationship doesn’t come from not being a feminist. It comes from mutual respect, love and understanding. And I don’t see how feminism opposes any of that? In fact, if you are a feminist you would know the sensitivity and importance of giving respect. And you all know the rest as they say: ‘Give respect, have respect’.

5. Feminists are toxic: Toxicity comes from oppression, brutality and misogyny; everything discouraged by feminism. If the idea of considering all human beings equal in the world is toxic, then there is nothing healthy left in here. Being and extremist, however, is indeed toxic. So if someone is an extremist in the name of feminism, he or she does not qualify to be called a feminist.