By Guntas Channi
The definition of feminism, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.
However, this definition is often twisted and (mis)interpreted as only females being feminists. Following the above mentioned definition, anyone who believes in the equality of males and females is a feminist. And that could include you, your brother, your teachers, and your friends, regardless of their gender. The focus here is on the ideas a person holds about the political theory, not what gender they constitute. Many people make connections between the similarity between the words ‘feminism’ and ‘feminine’. The logical reasoning behind this is that the concept is about restoring power to the ‘subordinated’ gender, in this case the feminine sector, which is why it is named ‘feminism’, not ‘meninism’.
Another common misconception is that feminism is about women promoting misandry and matriarchy while in reality, it tries to balance power dynamics between genders. There is no power being taken away from anyone. Since men are mostly the ones who think that it is aimed against them, they’re also the ones who are against this fight for equal rights. So, the hating of men doesn’t stem from feminism, but is the mere reaction of them being against it.
Then there is the misconception that all feminists are the same. This over-generalisation is a bit of a stretch considering that feminism is based upon the personal experiences of individuals, which leads them to define feminism according to their own preference which could be any school of feminism, be it radical or liberal.
If I had a coin for every time I heard that I’m too serious and that I can’t take a joke, I’d have quite a collection. The notion that we’re ‘overly sensitive’ can be justified by the amount of males making misogynistic jokes about being in the kitchen. When someone has spent years fighting for their liberty and for an improvement in their daily lives, they have a right to be angry.
Some people have also voiced their concern over how this ‘modern’ concept has led to females ignoring ‘traditional’ chores. One of the basic human rights is the right to life and liberty, another is the freedom of opinion and expression. So shouldn’t it be perfectly alright for a woman to wear what she likes, eat what she likes, and work in a manner she likes? She could like wearing traditional ethnic clothes, or wearing more modern day clothes, or both. She could like staying at home and making a home, or even working a commercial job. In both ways, she is still making a valuable contribution to her life.
In conclusion, feminism is not just a label, but a fundamental human rights movement that affects us all. Whether you're a man or a woman, you have the right to be a feminist and fight for equality. It's time to break free from the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround feminism and embrace a nuanced understanding that recognises its complexity and diversity. By embracing this concept, we can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the freedom to live their life as they choose.
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