...to feel depressed that only 7% of UK identify as Feminist?

[DioneTheDiabolist]

www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/2016/01/we-are-a-nation-of-hidden-feminists/

7% of the population and just 9% of women in this country identify as feminist. I'm not saying that everyone should call themselves feminist, I care more about what people do, rather than the label they assign themselves. But I am that the number is so low.

Given that most people believe in sexual equality, why do so many people not feel comfortable to call themselves feminist? And what (if anything) can we do about it?

"mansplaining" comes from a position of societal superiority, though. That's what makes it different from a woman assuming that a man doesn't know how to change a nappy, for example, and patronisingly explaining to him how to do it despite it being him being a SAHD to his seven children. See also "whitesplaining"

Whereas "mansplaining" is used as a short hand descriptor of what is happening, and is only used for a man. By definition, a woman can't "mansplain"

Can "feministplain* however.

I've been talked down to; been told things need to be explained to me in words of one syllable; been called a Stepford Wife; been called a man several times ; told by a poster who was clearly half my age that I had a lot to learn about being a woman.

And I am someone who didn't change her name; did not give up her career on becoming a mother; works in a sector which was male dominated when I started; is financially independent ; is pro-choice and is in agreement with radical feminists that porn and prostitution are not jobs like any other.

But see I always see people talk about societal superiority when justifying when people try to defend usage of words when people say that a word is offensive, people say this offends me or I suffer this and people just use societal superiority as an excuse that their feelings are invalid or not as valid. It's like when I see people commenting women physically abusing men aren't as bad as men that abuse women because they are weaker, but generally you have no idea on someone's strength and regardless the intent was still there

Nah, Lass, that's just straightforward condescension

I believe in equality but I am not a feminist. Personally I'm also sick of my five year old son being labelled by society too.

like concept of wifesplain.

been v unfairly accused of pansplaining. I'd explain that but it would take too long.

Pannnsplaining, surely?

If you go into any political movement there are people caught up in that whole ideology that believes in privilege, mansplaining, tone policing etc. It isn't unique to feminism.

But that kind of thinking is declining.

I try to ignore it and focus on the issues. People will find their way out of it in their own time.

Where's your link for that itsmine?😉

I find a lot of MN a bit frustrating not just the feminism section. I can cope with rude but as it's contrary to the rules maybe it drives posters to go passive aggressive instead? So " it is fascinating to see posters who..." followed by a put down Is my personal eye roller at the minute.

thanks for correcting me.

I have two sisters - both considered 'strong women' and live their lives as what other people would id. as 'feminist'. Both would sneer loudly if anyone would suggest they are feminists. Put off by the 'baggage' of the term.

Only 67% agreeing with equality is def concerning. BUT..it depends a whole lot what was being asked exactly.

I don't actually see what's wrong with asking for a link. Oftentimes on MN people will complain that X, Y & Z were said on such & such a thread, and then when you look at the thread what was actually said was something completely different.

What baggage bothers them, do you know? Isn't how feminists are perceived/caricatured, or the supposed obsession with minor trivial matters?

I think for both of them they are deeply suspicious of any 'politician' or political movement and see their involvement in changing things as a day-to-day concern, on a personal level. IN fact I know this as we talk about this stuff from time to time. Both my b-i-ls are very pro-women and they would have to be.

The charicaturing things would just bolster their thoughts.

Is the issue with feminism that it's a cause that's been particularly championed by the 'left'... to the extent that feminism and socialism tend to be seen as two sides of the same coin. Therefore by defining as feminist, you risk being regarded as a socialist too. Nothing necessarily wrong with being a socialist, but you can champion women's rights without being one.

Someone with a different view does the same and then you get 'I hope you have a link to support that!!' repeatedly

Isn't that probably the same with any activist groups? Most groups believe what others say who think the same as they do (and rarely ask for evidence) but don't believe what people with different groups say unless there's evidence.

I am sure the same can be applied to green groups, LGBT groups, Conservative / Labour politics, far right groups, Monarchists, Republicans.

You don't often challenge people who are 'with you' but do challenge those who aren't with you. It is an echo chamber.

'I don't actually see what's wrong with asking for a link'

Yes but often mn feminists include lots of speculative, anecdotal stuff themselves, which is fine. Someone with a different view does the same and then you get 'I hope you have a link to support that!!' repeatedly

That is, in my view, an accurate criticism.

The right wing / left wing point is interesting.

It is not a point which I have seen discussed at any great detail on FWR although I would guess most regular posters are to the left of me. Although socially liberal I'm centre/ slightly right of centre in economic issues and on the whole would say a regulated capitalist system provides the best opportunities for women.

Hi everyone

I was on the other feminist thread on AIBU yesterday and because I wasnt shutting up I was repeatedly called an MRA, troll, GF, irritating to say the least but I did find you do get the occasional poster who does change your mind about something. You find that if they cant get you to shut up they then start on the personal insults it gets to be Derailing an Argument 101

Not RTFT (sorry) but I do agree it is sad and worrying.

I was verbally abused by a man a while back who took offence to me being a feminist, it was honestly quite scary and hard to stand my ground. I can see why a lot of women don't want that agro and would rather just not put a label on it.

Isn't that probably the same with any activist groups?

You don't often challenge people who are 'with you' but do challenge those who aren't with you. It is an echo chamber

The FWR part of the forum is not an activist group. It is meant to be a discussion forum.

I like reading the FWR, as a bloke, but yes those "shutting up" efforts happen quite a lot, and then it's denied by FWR 'regulars'. Odd.

Exactly Pannn. It's censorship under the guise of 'b... b... but patriarchy. The world is a mens space this is a women's space. Think as we do or else '

You do the same tho miss you try and derail a thread with constant shouts about the ME and then when challenged and I dont just mean the feminist cry of llliiiinnnkk you dont reply, yesterday you were actively dismissing valid points with cries of but what about the ME which was unhelpful tbh