"Feminist" Yay or Nay?
If you hadn't already noticed The Damsel is a tad feminist (shocking news), but a lot of men and woman are torn on the label.
What does feminist even mean?
Even though you believe in equality is saying you support woman’s rights really mean being equal?
Or are some women are in fear of what the connotations of that word are, as it can mean man-hating or extreme?
Is the fact woman not calling themselves feminists actually holding the movement back?
We took to the very small social media Facebook, you've probably not heard of it, to find out what people think.
Effie Ioannou
"Feminism is not a bad thing, I don’t know if I would call myself that, first of all because of the attack I would get, I usually start explaining that I don’t think that by saying you are a feminist you believe that women are superior to men but I believe in equality, which doesn’t exist and if feminism is the way to get the equality then I will support it, although I don’t like to associate myself that hate men, (there was a woman that had an abortion because it was a boy and didn’t want to carry it, she said it was a monster , that’s extreme ) or not using tampons cause they were created by men. But I would fight for equal rights and change firstly the perception of men about the subject, like in India, that women are equal and not for them to abuse, education is probably the best way to do that. And punishment I guess, even Law in some cases has to change for example an Afghan woman was sentence to jail for 12 years because she got raped then forced to marry him."
Vicky Hood
"I think that it's unfortunate that so much emphasis is place on the word "feminist", 'cause the meaning has become totally warped - and because there's no consensus on what it means it can become intimidating to hear to identify with. When I say "I am a feminist" what I mean is not only do I stand for human rights, I recognize that women are often at a disadvantage simply because they are women. I suppose it's interesting, because I also feel strongly about LGBT rights but because there isn't - you know like an actual word to label people with - I don't face the same difficulties as I do when I identify as a feminist. So, yeah, I think it's all linguistics really, which is unfortunate because it distracts from the real issues"
Rebecca Barret
"I like the thought of standing up for woman's rights and equality etc but I would never call myself a feminist or anyone else because I feel like it has a bad connotation related to it. It's very rarely used in a positive light. So yay for women's rights but nay for labels"
Annie Butterworth
Feminism is a great thing, but the stereotypes and stigma attached to the term feminism isn't great. Maybe it should just be renamed equalism? Everyone would get onboard that surely.
Lucy Seaton
I think the word feminist has a lot of baggage attached to it that doesn't necessarily have much to do with feminism as a movement. For a lot of people who don't understand it, the word "feminism" instantly means hyper aggressive, masculine, men hating crazy ladies. Hence it's bad reputation. Which I think should be worked with and updated, since there some feminists who fit that description but they're not to be ridiculed. Anyone can be a feminist if they want to be! But for me, feminism means equality for all. It's about making the world a fairer place and not letting gender, race, body type, age etc affect your quality of life. We all deserve the same!
Emma Nichol
Emma Watsons uncrc speech on the He for She Campaign - is now what I think of when hearing the word
Image source: Daily Mail
Nicola Park
The true meaning behind feminism is great but the word feminism has developed bad connotations and therefore I don't like to think of myself as a feminist I just believe in equality for everyone in terms of their sex, race, or sexual orientation
Amy Ritchie
Feminism for me means proud to be a woman; it means standing not in battle with men by their side as equals. It is not intimidating it is a natural human right.
Lauren Stephen
"Okay so I wish people would stop saying that they wouldn’t ""label"" themselves as a feminist but then counteracting that by saying they stand for gender equality because that is the definition of feminism. I think people are scared by admitting that they are a feminist because the way the media frames it as crazy women who hate men, which isn't true. Of course there are some women who are misandrists, in the same way that some men are misogynists however, if a woman makes a comment on men she is quickly shot down and responded with "BUT NOT ALL MEN" whereas a man can make a sexist joke or comment and isn't accused of hating women. Feminism is also v inclusive, striving for equal rights for everyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, ability etc which is a very positive and wonderful thing. ofc with any movement there are different strands and ideals but the core of it is achieving equal political, social and economical rights for women all around the world. "
Image Source: Other 98
Cassie Burke
"I think there's a huge stigma attached to the word 'Feminist' because people think of it as misandry -- man-hating women, which it's not. Feminism today means equality. And it kind of sucks that people fixate on the fact that the word starts off with 'Fem-". I'd proudly own the term feminist, so I can help give it a positive connotation any time I was asked about it."
Alice Pelan
It means equality. To come into the world having the same opportunities as everyone else and not be undermined by your gender.
Alex Godlewski
I'm an egalitarian- the belief in equal rights for all humans
Ian Close
The term does have negative connotations but of course in general feminism is right. I think it's been hijacked slightly by 'extremists' but at the same time the media and society in general have always seen it in a negative light, even back when it was just purely about equality. Even if it weren't for the more extreme faction’s people would see it negatively because it's always been treated that way. Even though I'm all for equality in all forms I wouldn't personally call myself a 'feminist' partly because of the connotations but mostly because it can be seen as patronising for a male to call themselves a feminist. I'd rather say I was pro-equality or something like that, especially since that term doesn't just apply to gender equality but also equality between races, sexual orientation, religions, cultures and people with/without mental health issues and/or disabilities.
Euan Mcgregor
There's a certain negative stigma associated with the word nowadays. But like any organised group or religion, there is a vocal minority choosing to hurt rather than hinder the cause.
Robyn Smith
The only thing that comes to my mind now when I hear the word feminist
Image Source: Tumblr
Annette Welsh:
I think feminism was a much needed movement. Unfortunately it's kinda been hijacked to imply men-hating, psycho bitches who want it all and then some. Sadly we still live in a world where 50% of the population’s views are deemed not as important.
Katie Keane:
I am 100% a feminist. My female friends are and my male friends are. It's the only word we have right now to describe exactly what it is: a belief in gender equality and understanding of everyday inequality. Unfortunately a lot of people don't like the word, because they don't like the negative connotations associated with it. There's a bit of a 'Voldemort effect' going on in my opinion. Don't be afraid of the word! But it's also good to have compassion and understanding for those who aren't quite there yet. People talk about 'man hater' stereotypes all the time, but in my 26 years I have yet to meet one!
What do you think Damsel readers? Comment and tweet us!
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