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Original poster

Can you be for gender equality but not a feminist?

257 replies

TanithDaUnicorn · 17/01/2016 23:15

I am completely for equality of all people ragardless of gender, sexuality, race, etc. But I don't like being a "Feminist" Mainly because in my opinion it focuses on Gender above anything else, and the fact that there are a lot of double standards when it comes to it.

What is your opinion? Am I sexist simply because I don't want to be considered a feminist?

OP posts:
PalmerViolet · 18/01/2016 13:48

Consider yourself however you fancy.

As long as you're not standing in the way of women gaining liberation from patriarchy, then you're not being sexist.

FreshwaterSelkie · 18/01/2016 07:03

I don't know that I'd say you were sexist because you don't want to be considered a feminist, exactly. But I would say that your quest for equality is doomed to failure unless you understand the ways in which women and men aren't currently equal. You can't have equality of outcome when the starting points aren't remotely the same.

Do you think you're sexist?

Lovelydiscusfish · 18/01/2016 06:51

I suppose you could do this if you believe there is currently no discrimination against women, and that both genders currently exist on an equal playing field. Would be staggered to find that someone believes this, but I guess it us technically possible.
Otherwise, if as you say you believe in gender equality, you will need to actively support an improvement of women's rights specifically, in order for them to achieve the equality you desire.

merrymouse · 18/01/2016 06:27

How are you defining feminist?

A quick Google shows feminism defined as:

"The advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes."

and

"The belief that women should have equal rights and opportunities".

Being a feminist doesn't stop you advocating for other people's rights, and doesn't mean that you have to subscribe to a particular set of views approved by the head of all the feminists. It's not like being a member of the conservative or Labour Party.

However, it's a bit difficult to support gender equality and not believe that women should have equal rights to men, which is essentially what feminists believe.

HelpfulChap · 18/01/2016 06:10

*gender!

HelpfulChap · 18/01/2016 06:09

You mean as a woman i take it?

As a man I am totally for gener equality but I'm not sure I would have the right to call myself a feminist.

ICJump · 18/01/2016 04:46

What double standards?