Don't Knock Feminism Until You Try It
The mainstream concept of feminism is based on a lack of valid information
NINA VARSAVA
THE GATEWAY (UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA)
EDMONTON (CUP) — Last semester, a student in one of my English classes was called upon to give a feminist interpretation of the novel we were studying. She did, and then immediately assured the class that she wasn’t a feminist or anything. In fact, she repeated it about five times, as if to identify as a feminist was on par with admitting that you’re a Nazi. I was left wondering what this woman thought about feminism and where she got her ideas.
The popular conception of feminism is oversimplified and full of mistaken assumptions. Before even studying the subject or talking to feminists, many people tend to shun feminism as a radical and outdated waste of time. Feminists are lumped together as a bunch of irrational, man-hating extremists by people who have never actually studied feminism or had a real discussion with a feminist. Ironically, the people who are taking women’s studies, feminist philosophy and gender studies classes often already identify themselves as feminists, and already have a considerable understanding of feminism in its many forms.
Unfortunately, most people never take one of these classes, nor do they research the subject independently. Instead, they form their ideas about feminism based on mainstream societal conceptions — conceptions that are founded on a gross lack of valid information. It’s easy to see why a woman might be hesitant to call herself a feminist. Because the label has so many negative connotations, and elicits many (often false) assumptions, many people shy away from it.
When I call myself a feminist, I frequently have to defend myself, and then proceed to explain why I’m wearing makeup, or a short skirt, or why I have a boyfriend; after all, those aren’t very feminist things to do. Sadly, it’s often easier not to assert my feminism than to explain it to someone who thinks they already have it all figured out. But it’s crucial for feminists to bring their opinions outside of the classroom, even though it’s often difficult and disheartening. If we show people how reasonable and diverse feminists can be, then perhaps its negative and undeserved subtext will begin to dissolve, and society will begin to attain a truer understanding of the movement as one that calls for gender equality.
Admittedly, the prospect of this change is terrifying to many. Some people even fear a reversal of power wherein feminism will get out of control and the oppression of men will be the next great injustice. But these people are simply ridiculous — just a bunch of irrational, women-hating extremists.
Feminism is and has always been about gender equality. Of course, it comes in various forms, and as a result feminists often have different and conflicting ideas about how gender equality can best be achieved. There’s even a minority of radical, militant feminists who want women to take over the world — but it’s ridiculous and unjust to dismiss feminism altogether based on the beliefs and actions of this minority.
Some claim that it’s time for feminists to rest, that women are now equal to men, and have nothing left to fight for. Although these people might just be misinformed, I think that they’re actually anxious about women’s growing power and influence in the world.
The longer feminism lasts, and the more strength it gains, the more likely it is that women will gain worldwide equality.
