On first look, the title might seem strange. Women, who aren’t feminists? Seems very counterintuitive, doesn’t it? But they do exist, a lot of them.
Feminism (noun) - the advocacy of women's rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. The keyword here is equality. And that looks like a problem here. Before any of you all assume that I’m implying women are not equal to men, it’s not what I mean. I think the issue here pertains to equality vs equity.
I know for a fact that I won’t be equal to a man biologically and physically. I can be equal to men in terms of intelligence, wages, and capabilities. But being equal always is not the case.
Equity is about giving everyone what they need to be successful, while equality is about treating everyone the same. Women DO need a movement to break them free from the shackles of gender-based prejudices, while men (mostly) have had an upper hand, unfortunately, in most cases. We can’t have a men’s movement because again, equity, not equality. That’s why we celebrate pride month and not straight month.
This, much to our discontent, usually gets associated with misandry (dislike for men), which is not the case. Women can be on the same level as men without pulling them down. Although, there are individuals and groups that perpetuate a general dislike towards men. The smallest of groups, get the loudest of voices which can portray the feminist movement as a hate group against men. This is one the reasons why women are hesitant towards joining the movement.
Apart from that, there are a lot of ideologies associated with feminism and women may not agree with or understand all of them. There are a lot of branches that feminism has and we agree with a lot of the aspects without embracing the ideology as whole.
Modern feminism is very western-centred, and people of color feel excluded or unheard in the mass of varying opinions and beliefs. People of colour want be included in the movement with their perspectives and experiences, while being welcoming of their moms, grandmothers, and aunts.
And obviously, the question of stay-at-home mothers is raised. Women who have willingly chosen that lifestyle are used as an example of what feminists shouldn’t aim for. They are blamed as victims of patriarchy even when it is out of choice. It inevitably leads to them feeling left out of the movement. These women do not need boss babes to redirect them. In short, a lot of women are not in support of what the feminist movement has turned into given its multi-faceted nature and in-party warfare. Even though the feminist movement and being in support of women’s rights is one and the same, the latter feels safer for a lot of people due to the labels that are associated with feminism. Feminism, undoubtedly is necessary, but its radicalization is far from a necessity.
The movement is necessary right now for the sake of everyone’s betterment. Oppression does leave marks and they aren’t easily erased. Even today, more women than I’d like to admit are being ostracized against for just for being born as a different gender. Society needs women and women need the support of society. This interdependence is fruitful only if a greater number of people are willing to come forward.
We need more than words. We need practical solidarity and agile responses, political commitment and will. Leaving behind the issues, lets come together for what the feminist movement was really started for: lifting women up for dignity and in glory.
Comments