Why does society still see feminism as scary?
Gail Cole
Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: Forum
I read the much-debated column by Alex Thompson in Monday's issue of The Daily Barometer, "Dating and feminism: a comedy of errors," as sarcasm - to me, Alex was pointing out that those rabble-rousing feminists of yesteryear have made an impact on today's social climate by reducing instances of chivalry, chauvinism and forcing men, the dominant group in society, to see them as human beings. Of course, this is just my own interpretation.
No matter the intent, Alex's column pointed out a sentiment that still exists even in today's slightly-more-equal-than-yesterday social climate - feminists, and the belief of feminism, are both still seen by society as scary and dangerous.
We all know the stereotypes of how society depicts feminists. A memorable "de-motivational" poster I recently stumbled upon features a photo of a group of women protesting and reads, "Feminism: Not everyone can beautiful." Besides the "feminists are ugly" stereotype, here are some stereotypes that came to my mind:
Feminists hate men.
Feminists are lesbians.
Feminists are crazy.
Feminists are angry.
Feminists want to rise up and force men to a lower position of power.
Feminists have no regard for personal hygiene, as they are not trying to impress any man.
Feminists are women, always.
Stereotypes often come about because of a few isolated cases, and yes, there are feminists who are lesbians, who are angry, who aren't big on deodorant and hair removal and who are women. There are probably feminists who hate men and who are not what society deems as mentally stable. I doubt it, but maybe, just maybe, there are a few feminists out there who want lots of power - more power than men in general.
However, stereotypes are deceiving; just because there may be one angry, lesbian feminist in the world doesn't mean that every feminist is an angry, hairy, crazy, power-hungry, man-hating lesbian.
After what I have so far learned, even though I know I will learn much more in my life, I believe that feminism is the belief that there is fundamental inequality in our society and that society as a whole must strive for the political, social and economic equality of everyone. There is a rich history and are complex ideas within the belief (for an easy example, just enter "feminism" into Wikipedia and take a look at the monstrous definition), but at least I think my definition works nicely.
No matter the intent, Alex's column pointed out a sentiment that still exists even in today's slightly-more-equal-than-yesterday social climate - feminists, and the belief of feminism, are both still seen by society as scary and dangerous.
We all know the stereotypes of how society depicts feminists. A memorable "de-motivational" poster I recently stumbled upon features a photo of a group of women protesting and reads, "Feminism: Not everyone can beautiful." Besides the "feminists are ugly" stereotype, here are some stereotypes that came to my mind:
Feminists hate men.
Feminists are lesbians.
Feminists are crazy.
Feminists are angry.
Feminists want to rise up and force men to a lower position of power.
Feminists have no regard for personal hygiene, as they are not trying to impress any man.
Feminists are women, always.
Stereotypes often come about because of a few isolated cases, and yes, there are feminists who are lesbians, who are angry, who aren't big on deodorant and hair removal and who are women. There are probably feminists who hate men and who are not what society deems as mentally stable. I doubt it, but maybe, just maybe, there are a few feminists out there who want lots of power - more power than men in general.
However, stereotypes are deceiving; just because there may be one angry, lesbian feminist in the world doesn't mean that every feminist is an angry, hairy, crazy, power-hungry, man-hating lesbian.
After what I have so far learned, even though I know I will learn much more in my life, I believe that feminism is the belief that there is fundamental inequality in our society and that society as a whole must strive for the political, social and economic equality of everyone. There is a rich history and are complex ideas within the belief (for an easy example, just enter "feminism" into Wikipedia and take a look at the monstrous definition), but at least I think my definition works nicely.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Bill Brooks
posted 10/02/09 @ 1:23 PM PST
My problem with feminism is that it is itself a form of discrimination. People shouldn't (don't and never will as far as I am concerned) have rights because they belong to a particular group. (Continued…)
Leah
posted 10/03/09 @ 8:33 AM PST
Equal treatment under the law for women is one thing, but teaching that men and women are inherently the same and gender roles are placed upon people by society is ludicrous. (Continued…)
Tara
posted 10/07/09 @ 2:34 PM PST
"And as long as people are afraid of change, of equality for everyone, feminism will still be seen as scary."
Way to go Gail!!!
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