When did feminism develop a negative connotation?-á
Why does the idea that both genders deserve equality remain an issue?-á
If you believe men and women deserve equal pay for equal work, then you can call yourself a feminist.-á If you believe a promotion should be made because of talent and not because of gender, then you can call yourself a feminist.
However, some people don't think feminism is that simple. Some people have a negative image of feminism.-á
One student said when he hears the word "feminist," he thinks of "a man hating lesbian. You know, really conservative."-á -á
Sure, there may be lesbians that are feminists, but there are also gay men, and a lot of straight people who are feminists, as well.-á As for "man-hating", it should not exist in feminism.-á That would be contradicting what feminism stands for, because to hate all men because of their gender would not be demonstrating equality. -á
Feminism is the "belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes" according to a 2005 New Webster's Dictionary. To really understand feminism, we have to know what equality really means.-á
Equality is "the state or quality of being equal," according to the same dictionary.
A synonym of being equal is "sameness," and that is simply what feminists try to do. They work to create sameness between men and women.-á Feminism is the radical notion that women are people. -á
I overhead one student say, "OK, we're equal now so stop making a big deal out of it."-á
Hardly.-á -á
I suppose it is not that student's fault or any other person's fault for thinking there are no issues that remain in a woman's world nor is it really their fault for thinking feminism is negative. -á
If we were to blame someone, it would have to be the schools.-á Women's history is just not taught.-á Important historic and current events such as the Korean Comfort women and female genital mutilation were not brought to my attention until my college years.-á People are amazed and appalled they have never learned of these things before, yet I have overheard people say "women's studies? That's a waste." -á
My mother was sitting at her work waiting for a meeting to start and a man was discussing tuition and classes.-á The first class he strongly felt should be "done away with", was women's studies.-áThis is a problem. -á
There are many issues that affect the wellbeing of women that are often shoved under the rug by many segments of society, including pay career choice, sports, and "duties". Unfortunately that is a whole new topic for another day.-á
The bottom line is feminists do not deserve to be looked at negatively. -á
Feminism is a positive way of looking at the world and it simply involves believing that all people deserve equal chances. Essentially, feminism strives for respect and equality between all people no matter what their gender is.-á
You do not have to agree with feminism; you do not have to agree with any social group.-á But you should, however, respect them because they are passionate about something and they are taking action for their beliefs. -á
Feminists believe in treating humans equally.-á -á
Do you?-á
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