What is feminism.

[PiperIsOrange]

i know this sounds an odd thing to ask.

I'm a 28 year old women to ask, but my 16 year old niece ask me this question and I really didn't know what to say.

I get confused between feminism, equal rights and sexism.

I thought so. We are clearly doing something right

I take that view too penguins. If people like that are getting so irate then we must be on the right lines!

It's Trills who uses that definition of feminism, btw, Petula.

Ah thanks, your memory is good, I'm probably misquoting her badly anyway!

The actual definition of feminism means equal rights for men and women.
Therefore women have the same rights as men at work, education culture etc. But also men to be allowed to have depression without being thought less of man, for them to speak out when being bullied without being classed as less of a man. To talk about being raped by another man without being classed as weak. Feminism isn't just about woman it's equality between men and women it works both ways.

". But also men to be allowed to have depression without being thought less of man, for them to speak out when being bullied without being classed as less of a man. To talk about being raped by another man without being classed as weak. "

Just in case of any confusion, feminists are not against any of those things.

However, by analogy. those raising funds for cancer victims don't typically direct some of those funds towards stroke victims, but they may be supportive of any groups that do raise funds for stroke. Similarly, the main focus of feminism is issues that primarily affect women, though feminists may well separately support groups campaigning for eg better mental health info for men.

And welcome to FWR! Are you working on any campaigns in the areas you mentioned?

No I'm afraid you have missed my point feminism is by definition is equality for men and women it is not just about empowerment of women's right only with a sub text for men. It is equality with both sexes please see the HeForShe campaign it is the UN campaign for gender equality and women's rights so it is an equal campaign which includes men and boys to support gender equality and change for women and girls but equally boys to speak out ragarding their issues.
Therefore feminism is equality as stated in Oxford English dictionary equality of the sexes. Yes it does state that it's womens rights but women's rights for quality between the sexes.

I believe if change is to happen it needs to be on both sides need to be educated and have a balanced view of the issues for men and women.
Yes there are some arrogant men out there who feel supior regarding there sex but equally to that there are some women who feel they have the God given right to do what they like because they are women and can use it as manipulation.
This is why a balanced view for me is key to this issue and that both sexes are included in the education.

I apologise for the terrible grammar and spelling I tend to do that when brain is working harder than hand! Thank you also for the welcome.

Hello I've been lurking for ages but this seems to be an appropriate thread to let you know that this forum has changed views that I would now be ashamed to admit that I previously held.

I'm on a path now to adjusting the patterns of my behaviour as a result if the education I have recieved here and eventually hope to be able to help others in the same way.

So thank you seems a good way to sum up what I'm trying to say

Great, Avaday! Are you working on men's mental health campaigns and equal board representation for women campaigns, then?

thats why I continue to use education of both sexes and equality. No of course it doesn't excuse anything violence, mind malipulation or abuse related and never once did I say this as being a "victim" of it myself which I worked hard to overcome.
However I am using my experiences and that of others within organisations to make changes and yes violence against women is vast but there are also a lot of cases which are violence towards men that do not get reported due to the man feeling ashamed abused and inadequate.
This is why I'm an advocate for education on both sides and early intervention as per HeForShe campaign I think it's awesome.
I use the word manipulative in a general sense not as a gender sense or trait.
I am not a troll and I am new but always read posts that I find helpful and interesting I have just never posted and I believe that calling someone a troll is against the rules? I believe you just have to report them?
I have a an autistic son so I read things for ideas this conversation just interested me as it is something I feel strongly about but I do like to look at both sides wether that is right or wrong.

On which forums are you educating men on issues facing women and how is that going down? Would love to know!

Hello Buffy, back to being Reasonable? What will we do without a Cockhead though?!

[hgrin]

Wot no Halloween smilies??

"some women who feel they have the God given right to do what they like because they are women "

I've never met any women like this, did you have anyone specific in mind?

Or perhaps some specific acts?

Because I must admit I feel I do have a God given right to do some things - ignore the washing up until DP does it, not shave, carve pumpkins with DS1 rather than finish my work etc. ie. things that are about me and my life I have the right to make decisions on, things about other peoples lives not so much.

"some women who feel they have the God given right to do what they like because they are women "

Yeah - it's statements like that.

I think Ava may have slightly misconstrued the HeForShe thing too.

Now it’s time to unify our efforts. HeForShe is a solidarity movement for gender equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.

Gender equality is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue that requires my participation. I commit to take action against all forms of violence and discrimination faced by women and girls.

So sure, it recognises (as feminism has always done) that rigid gender roles damage everyone - but it's not arguing that men are equally damaged by them. It's asking men to get on board with women's rights issues globally, as a human rights issue.

Yes unfortunately I have the person who actually put me in the position of abuse was abused by his mother. I have met other woman who think they can hit men but the man can't retaliate as they are woman and is more unacceptable. i don't believe I said forums if I did I stand corrected I said advising certain associations support groups in my local area from experience.

I sorry if my views offended I just feel that education and knowledge for both sides of any situation is the way forward to resolve and make change.
I've had a lot of life experiences including being an army wife an never once have I said that men deserve more interest or support than women I was nearly pointing out that everyone needs educating that you can't act or treat anyone a certain way regardless of gender. Yes women have to work a damn sight harder than men in certain areas but when I see or read reports of abuse against women the thing that strikes me more is the bullying control side not just the gender issue. But of course I accept and fully aware that abuse happens just because the abuser feels power over a woman for various reasons.
No one man or woman has the right to bully manipulate degrade or abuse physically mentally or emotionally to anyone esle.
I praise people who stand up for what's right and woman who challenged issues are amazing of course it makes me feel empowered and proud but it's just as about the stand against a bully the underdog has risen not just about man verses women. I get joy also about men who stand up and fight against abuse to.
After all of the main issue for feminists is from men or rules set by men them shouldn't asking for equal education be acceptable as a way forward? The empowerment of women to speak out regardless is vital but then reeducation of the men is vital for progress but education and understanding and knowledge is key to anything.
If that's wrong I apologise. Yes im new so maybe I shouldnt air such strong opinions right now or full stop.