To think this idea of feminism has been totally misinterpreted?

Knowing I'm just as capable of earning money so not expecting men to always pay. Treating people with respect, while showing awareness of difficulties. Equality of opportunity where possible (eg women might need different safety clothes to men). Being willing to be friends with and spend time with people of equal sex, and welcoming both (except in protected spaces).
Offering to help lift/opening a door? Would do it for anyone.

Exactly. I mean, this man you spoke to isn’t some kind of spokesperson for feminism.

It's women having equal opportunities. Receiving the same respect as men, being able to receive the same pay and promotions based on their skill not their sex, having choices over their own life rather, having autonomy of their own body.
I'm a woman, I'd help a man who was struggling and I'd help a woman who was struggling and I'd expect men to do the same if they're able, I'd hold the door for a man or woman behind me.

Idiot blokes have been twisting the definition of feminism to suit their narrative for decades. See also:

You can’t be a feminist if you shave your legs
You can’t be a feminist and be attracted to men
You can’t be a feminist if you don’t have a job

etc ad nauseam.

It just demonstrates that that cynical men will always twist its logic to suit their needs when they can.

Next time try saying: “You can’t be a real man if you’re losing an argument with a woman about feminism.” Equally ridiculous logic, hoist him by his pathetic petard.

What do you think Feminism really stands for? Because here's the problem: if you're going back to the first wave definition - well, it's all been achieved in the west. There's no point being a distinct political movement to achieve political goals that have already been realised. So, what is Feminism to you?

I've seen a number of people on YouTube and I think much of it comes from Tiktok with women who seem to think the feminist movement fought for the right for women to work and have DC are now complaining about how hard it is working and having children.

They seem to think that 'before feminism' all women with DC stayed at home and don't understand that certainly in the working classes, most women always worked even with DC and the feminism movement was about rights to working equality in terms of pay and career progression rather than the right TO work!

Edit - they seem to feel betrayed by 'feminism' as think it made women have to have jobs and not be 'housewives'.

I've seen a number of people on YouTube and I think much of it comes from Tiktok with women who seem to think the feminist movement fought for the right for women to work and have DC are now complaining about how hard it is working and having children.

They seem to think that 'before feminism' all women with DC stayed at home and don't understand that certainly in the working classes, most women always worked even with DC and the feminism movement was about rights to working equality in terms of pay and career progression rather than the right TO work!

I think the term feminist or feminism has been misinterpreted in a whole host of ways. In the example you give I can see how the man in question may have arrived at this view as in the past he may well have offered help of various things in various ways and then is berated for it. If someone was struggling with something male or female it would be kind/polite to offer help. In other ways feminism has been interpreted as holding specific views. I for example don't believe in abortion and have been told on these threads I cannot be a feminist because of this. This has led me to the opinion that I would not want to call myself a feminist despite the fact that if you looked at my life/career/etc etc without knowing that you would say that I would definite be a feminist. I believe feminism encompasses a spectrum of views but not every one thinks that way

Or save your peace a choose not to respond! 😂

Yes. I mean, it’s not that complicated. Ask him why his main takeaway is that feminism involves him saving himself effort

This.

Feminism means a belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Simple definition from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

good mums?

What is a good mum?
leaving them be?
freedom to be yourself.
letting them learn for themselves

What do you think radical feminism means?

Feminism seeks to achieve liberation of women from patriarchy.

I’d like to think that when we achieve our liberation, we’ll also be relived of having to deal with idiots like your colleague.

Sounds like he is a moron. Don’t debate morons.

As the only woman in the room on a pre-retirement course, I was asked how I felt about not getting my pension at 60. I replied that as a feminist, how could I justify getting it before my male colleagues and friends?

Who said that feminism is the radical notion that women are people? I can't remember.

Essentially he's a misinformed idiot, if a person is struggling with a heavy load, offer to help if you can. Doesn't matter what sex they are. And certainly don't not offer because they are a woman

Some people simply don’t understand the difference between equity and equality.

Ah , he’s the type of twat that thinks women are getting ideas above their station so fuck them. Not worth the time , effort or crayons to explain it to him.

@Goonie1 I'm going to make a wild guess and assume that your male colleague is the type to use phrases and terms such as:-
Feminazi
That's what you get for wanting equality
Men in women's sports/spaces/awards is the fault of feminists
Along with many other misogynistic bs that MRAs spout

When did we lose sight of the phrase "equal but different"?

Feminism is a lot of different things to different people.

This guy’s idea of feminism is a particularly strange one, but there’s the possibility that he’s tried to help a woman before and caused offence.