Hey you! Been a while, hasn't it? Well, I'm back for real this time. These past few months have been great but I've missed writing blogs and I'm back with a new topic on the term "Feminism".
When we think of feminism we just think of man-hating and angry women trying to be superior towards men, is it really that though? I think it's time to travel back to the Oxford language definition of feminism; "the advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes." To say so, simply; we are just people, fighting to for equal power and taking what rightfully belongs to us, just as much as it belong to everyone else.
This word is turning into a taboo, so much so that whenever someone asks me: "Are you a feminist?" I reply with a "Yes, but I don't hate men". This has been happening because Feminism has historically been dominated by white, middle-class women, leading to criticism that the movement is not inclusive enough of women from diverse backgrounds. This criticism has led some people to distance themselves from the feminist label. Not just that but as feminism has gained more visibility and power, there has been a backlash from those who feel threatened by the movement. This backlash can take many forms, including online harassment, threats of violence, and attempts to discredit feminist activists .
So what can we do about this? Despite these challenges, there are many people who continue to identify as feminists and work towards gender equality. Some strategies for overcoming the taboo around feminism include:
Education: Providing accurate information about what feminism is and what feminists stand for can help dispel misconceptions and negative stereotypes.
Intersectionality: Recognizing and addressing the ways in which different forms of oppression intersect can help make feminism more inclusive and relevant to a wider range of people.
Visibility: By speaking out about their experiences and advocating for gender equality, feminists can help normalize the idea that feminism is a positive force for change.
In conclusion, while feminism may be a taboo word for some, there are many people who continue to embrace the label and work towards gender equality. By addressing misconceptions, promoting intersectionality, and increasing visibility, we can help make feminism a more widely accepted and celebrated movement.
