I met someone who read the post Patriarchy is Deep Rooted. He asked me, “So you are a feminist?” I looked at him and smiled and said, ‘yes’. He was not expecting the answer and his attitude suddenly changed, and I showed no inclination to continue the conversation.
Later, the Thinkaholic in me felt that my reaction was not right, because he did not understand feminism, and the meaning for him is probably what it is for most of the world. As per my understanding, feminism is the most misunderstood word in the world.
Table of Contents
What is Feminism?
As per the dictionary, feminism means, “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of gender equality”. For many, the word has negative implications, and it refers to women who hate men and question all customs and traditions. I would love to enlighten all these people and tell them that the meaning of the word is equality; equality for men and women, equality for all.
Check this definition: –
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/feminism-definition
If the meaning is so simple then why do people need to advocate for feminism? The reason is we live in a world where the rules have been created by men and for men. Though the world is changing but still in majority of places, men rule the workplace, the home, and in most cases the lives of women around them. Had these things not happened and the society worked in a way where everyone was equal, the term would not have been coined.
Views of the Society Towards Women
Girls need to see what they wear because boys will be boys. Girls cannot be out of the house after dark, but men can paint the town red and party hard. A woman needs to be virgin to get married but who questions the boys. If a wife separates the husband from his parents, it is a crime, but when the same man marries her and tells her to leave her parents, it is custom.
It is the duty of the mother to discipline a child, but the father’s love when he spoils them. A mother feels guilty if she is working and cannot give time to the child, but if the father does the same; after all, is the breadwinner.
I have questioned the very educated ladies and gentlemen who are socially conditioned to be this way and will think I am just blowing things out of proportion. Let me ask you another thing which I have always asked in my house but have not got an answer.
Our drivers who are men usually get one day off in a week and when they go for a break, they are paid their salary. In the same house, the maid servant does not get any off and in some houses; it might be once in a month. She is not eligible for the salary when she goes home.
The driver gets one month pay when it is Diwali but the lady is given Rs.1000. Why? Because she will not need to buy sweets and crackers as she is staying with you. And even if it is your part timer, she might get an additional box of sweets with that Rs.1000. Why? Is this not discrimination of the sexes. The man here in question has fixed working hours but the poor lady works as per our timings.
Effects of Feminism in society
All these ideologies in our lives have created the need to talk about feminism. Feminism is not about being anti-men but yes, it wants the society to give equal rights to women. Many women take advantage of the fact, and I would like to tell them too, please ensure you do not take advantage of the fact you are a woman.
If you expect a young man to stand up in the metro, you please do the same for an elderly gentleman. Do not expect men to hold doors for you. There are things men do better than women, so let them do it. Why do we want to show them we are superior? Respect men and not hate them. If you think women know it all and are perfect, you are wrong. Read the post, Things Women Must Learn from Men.
What Feminism Means Today
Coming back to the meaning of feminism. As I said earlier also it is about giving equal opportunities to both men and women and never should one be discriminated because of their sex. We have to stop judging women if they make a choice. If Sonam Kapoor added her husband’s name she does not become anti-feminist and if I did not change my name, I am a feminist. It is a choice we both made. Support her husband who showed they both were equal in their relationship.
Let women decide what they want to wear and teach the boys to respect the choice the girls make. It is all about quality and allowing everyone to live his or her life without pressure.
Education might not be the answer to the problem as we are conditioned in this way. Even though I support equality but many times I also do not question the beliefs and customs beyond a point. At the end of the day if it is within limits, I prefer peace in my life. There are many things that do not even bother us in our daily lives, but when we think about them, they promote inequality.
We live in a constant fear of being judged and this is why we all do not raise any concerns. I know I am contradicting myself, but on the other hand, education might empower the women and thus, it might be a stepping stone in a large part of the society which I might not be very well versed with. In many parts of the country, the lack of education leads to suppression and lets the man be the stronger force.
(Read our post, Break the Shackles of Gender Inequality in India, Raise Feminist Kids)
Support Feminism
Though it is important we all support feminism, but the only way is to ensure we achieve what we want to ensure that it begins at home and the next generation is taught the right way right from the beginning. Feminism undoubtedly will challenge many things which are deeply embedded in our lives and no drastic measure can solve these issues. The change will come slowly and we need to persistently try in a subtle way. Teach the children they are equal, and I feel the foundation for the right thinking will be set.
I completely agree with you and it’s unfortunate that most people misunderstood the concept of “feminism”.. you had explained it so well in this post and I agree it should get start from our home. #Alexanonstop
Thanks for reading and glad you like the post. 🙂
Loved your post as truly “Feminism” is the most misunderstood word. People take it in more negative sense than positive. You have beautifully explained it . We mothers have to raise both boys and girls as equal individuals.
That’s the job for all mothers but sadly, still many women in the country have the male child syndrome. I hope we will be able to bring about change for the next generation. Thanks for reading and liking the post. 🙂
Hi Arushi, I really liked the way you approached the sensitive and emotional subject of feminism. I completely agree that we need to perceive it much beyond the stereotypical way of anti-men. Feminism is about equality and that’s what will result in enhancing the quality of life
Glad you like the post. True, it is about equality and that is what people need to understand. Thanks for reading.
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