Feminism: A Misunderstood Theory?
‘Feminism’ is a simple concept that is frequently misunderstood by the general population.
What is the current state of equality of rights throughout the world?
Is it true that expressing our opinions shows contempt for others? Does it mean I’m anti-male if I want to advocate for women’s rights and advocacies ?
No, it doesn’t, does it?
The notion of feminism as a whole is not what society has classified a feminist.
Feminism demands equal rights and opportunities for women as well as men. Feminism, in other terms, means equality. I believe that both men and women can be feminists. Everyone can be a feminist.
“My idea of feminism is self-determination, and it’s very open-ended: every woman has the right to become herself, and do whatever she needs to do.” — Ani Di Franco
THE FIRST WAVE OF FEMINISM
The concept of ‘Feminism’ started in nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The women in the 19th and 20th century were limited in their access to higher education due to patriarchy. The lack of opportunity for women was partially due to the perception of women as social maids in the world that men build. Middle-class white women had the resources to speak out about their feminist ideas. The women took advantage of their position and united to protest unjust systems. Civil rights were not being upheld as the main issue for this feminist era. This is what led to the feminist movement’s pursuit of equality among sexes through legislation, the courts, and lobbying, although there were many feminist accomplishments and steps in the right direction during this time. The power of feminists was proved by the steady persistence of the movement and its record of almost continuous achievement, despite the fact that the Suffragettes did not get the right of vote immediately.
Gender stereotypes
Gender stereotypes have been prevalent in our culture since the beginning of the stone age, and we are still adhering to those gender norms now, millions of years later. We are aiming for gender equality, and we must address the issue of gender stereotypes.
Likewise, the colors. The colors do not have genders, but what people believe is that ‘pink’ is for girls and ‘blue’ is for boys. Furthermore, the word girl is frequently used to represent them as the weaker or more emotional one. They remark, for example, “don’t sprint like a female” or “don’t cry like a girl.” I didn’t recognize it until I became a victim myself. Furthermore, guys are frequently shown as being powerful, aggressive, and heartless. As an example, consider the term “man up.” They utilize it to remind the girls that we can overcome obstacles in our life. In a similar vein, females who dress up in male attire are regarded better than guys who dress up in female attire. Boys who exhibit an emotional and sensitive side are sometimes seen as weaker and “like a girl.”
Sexism is a deeply embedded issue in modern culture, and it is profoundly ingrained in every aspect of society. We don’t see it unless we look at things carefully and in relation to our family and even ourselves. Sexism harms all genders and this is the moment, in my opinion, to address this matter seriously.
WRAPPING THINGS UP
In order to achieve women’s independence in social and economic arenas, the process of creating feminist consciousness or a feminist worldview had begun. These levels of socioeconomic independence are generally associated with industrialization and modernization processes.It was also created in order to give women the ability to vote. Feminism has evolved further toward gender equality since women were granted the right to vote in the first place. Feminism has never been and will never be anti-male, and we, as individuals and citizens, must recognize this.
Let us acknowledge the quote below as a tribute to all the wonderful and inspiring women throughout the world.
“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong; it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” — G.D. Anderson