Have you ever wondered why feminism is viewed incorrectly by so many people? Many people do not know the meaning of the term, and often interpret it to an extent in which this word is whirled into an entire mishap of events that become incorrect misconceptions about feminism due to the fact that people lack knowledge about it. Women around the world are always complaining about the lack of equal rights between genders, yet still use the 4-word excuse, “I’m just a girl” daily. The word feminism has come to a point where people view it as a negative thing and focus on so-called feminist that voice incorrect ideas that negatively represent what feminism is all about.
I do not hate men, contrary to popular belief, I am a feminist. Note to that wording difference. A 17-year-old feminist, that’s right. I consider myself a feminist, why? I’m Asian and fit the typical stereotype when it comes to my parents who are as traditional as they can be. My two brothers get what they want, can go out partying, smoke and do whatever. While I get to stay in my house with my laptop because the TV was cut off as it was too “inappropriate”. I don’t even get a set of keys. The only thing that I can say to my parents? “What about gender equality?” We are living in the 21st century for god’s sake! I do set my principles straight and tell my parents what I believe in.
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” –G.D. Anderson
The bad reputation that feminists have is ins some ways our own fault. We make up excuses about not wanting to do things that men do, such as earning money, bringing food to the family. Give credit to all the women around you that do those things by themselves. Every woman has a potential, but the world perceives women as not being able to come across their will to suffer like men do; to work, to carry heavy things, etc. Slowly the number of feminists in the world has increased, however, there are still some women out there that call themselves feminists but get offended by a simple little action from a man. As a feminist, you should hold your head high and show him what you can do, not get offended and give the impression that you are weak, show him what you can do, and most importantly, that you are on the same level as everyone else. All humans are strong and capable. We don’t need people who throw us aside and make us look like a joke.
At the end of the day, all humans have their own rights, yet women still have to go through the discrimination based on their looks, skills, etc. We are different genders, but we are still humans. So if you’re wondering why feminism has a “bad reputation”, we are all to blame at some point.
“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard…we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” ―Malala Yousafzai
