Debunking Feminist Stereotypes

Debunking three major misconceptions about feminism.

FEMINISTS ARE ANTI-MEN AND WANT TO BE MORE POWERFUL THAN MEN

“Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression” (Bell Hooks).

Feminism is all about equality and equity. Being against sexism does not mean you ‘hate men’. Feminism was never men vs women - it’s people vs patriarchy. Feminists do not think that all men are evil, we do not think that all men are rapists, and we do not hate all men. A keyword that needs to be broken down is equity. Equality means giving everyone the same opportunities. But, if you give a marginalized group and a privileged group the exact same thing, the outcome will not be equal. Therefore, equity means giving everyone the opportunities and resources that they need to be successful and to further our fight for equality. Another important term to discuss is misandrist. A misandrist is a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against men (Oxford Languages). It’s almost like a misogynist… but towards men.

Yes, some feminists may be misandrists. But, misandry is not prerequisite to feminism!

MEN CANNOT BE FEMINISTS - IT DOES NOT AFFECT THEM

“Patriarchy” is the concept that men and masculinity are better, stronger, and more respectable than women, non-binary folks, and femininity. We live in a patriarchal society. Patriarchy negatively affects everyone - no matter your sex or gender identity. Yes, all men do benefit from patriarchy. However, all men are hurt by patriarchy. Patriarchy views (cis) men as superior. But, for a man to gain the full privilege of being “a man” in our society, he must abide by certain rules and act a certain way. Patriarchy only values hyper-masculine, able-bodied, straight, cisgender, men that do not show vulnerability.

Men can and should be feminists, too!

MEN AND WOMEN ARE ALREADY EQUAL:

WHY DOES FEMINISM STILL EXIST?

To begin, the statement that “men and women are already equal”, is false.

I could talk about the fact that women are paid less on average than men, the lack of reproductive rights, how women continue to be responsible for the majority of household work, and so much more (Villanova University). However, I think it’s crucial that we debunk this statement by talking about intersectional feminism. Feminism is not only about equality between men and women - feminism is intersectional. Intersectionality is about recognizing all people’s diverse needs; in other words, intersectional feminism is inclusive feminism. Without intersectionality, feminism is not accounting for everyone’s experiences. Intersectionality has allowed many people facing oppression a better way to frame their experiences in order to strengthen the fight for visibility and inclusion. So, by saying that feminism is no longer needed because “men and women are already equal” - although that is false - that is not the sole purpose of feminism today.