What does Feminism stand for?

What does Feminism stand for?

Feminism! It is not just a word, but a package full of respect, dignity, and integrity.

Different people have different interpretations of what exactly feminism means. Some say, it’s about hating men, others say it’s about fighting for your rights. Some give it a literal interpretation while others connect it with the power of being superior.

But what exactly does it mean?

Does it mean women having more privilege than men? Or it is just a sexist movement? Does it only revolve around women or includes men as well?

If you want an answer to all these questions then you are definitely in the right place.

To understand what feminism really stands for, first, we need to stop differentiating people or determining their capabilities on the basis of their gender. Famous African-American writer Bell Hooks opines that Feminism is a movement to eradicate sexism and sexist oppression. This is a movement of liberation. It does not imply more privilege to either of the genders. It does not suggest claiming men’s space. The essence of Feminism lies inequality in all spheres.

Being a feminist does not mean that you disrespect men or ignore them rather you treat them the way you want to be treated; EQUAL.

Bell hooks also state the reason as to why the word “Feminism” seems problematic to people. In America “Feminism” is popularly termed as “Women’s lib.” She says that black women often feel sidelined because it is only the white women who they see participating and fighting for their rights. This somewhere led exclusion of black women from participating in this particular liberation movement. On the other hand, some women highlight it to be a political movement and try to make distance whereas some women often equate it with lesbianism and some women do not feel themselves to be part of this movement by their own personal choices.

Well, in spite of all the disparities, the only correct way to see this movement is to connect it with “inter-sectionality”. This movement does not promote women from privileged backgrounds to come forward and fight for equality rather this movement promotes equality irrespective of their color and caste or any section. Women from a black community deserve the same treatment and opportunity as a woman from a remote area and a woman from the upper class. It does not promote any kind of racism or sectionality. Linking Feminism to “Hating Men” or demeaning them is a mere misconception that hampers the true spirit behind this word.

Hence it is the need of the hour to Redefine Feminism and to see beyond these barriers for protecting and promoting the true spirit of Feminism.

We at Respect Women promote this spirit and proudly believe:

“Yes, we are Feminists.

Yes, we don’t hate men.”

 

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This article is written by Prashant Kumar, our intern.

Ishita Kapoor

Ishita Kapoor