"Feminism is equality"

[MrGHardy]

This is a response by a woman to a man talking about feminism:

"Your understanding is wrong. Where does everyone get this idea that feminism is some kind of for-all happy umbrella? It's for the equality of women vis-a-vis men. And men, Mr. Read, don't get to decide what feminism is."

I have come across this so often recently, where feminism is portrayed as "for equality so it is also for men" etc. and this Twitter user used a good phrase: "some kind of for-all happy umbrella".

I think it's a deliberate misrepresentation of feminism, in order to distract the discussion away from the issues, away from women, and to paint women in a bad light as some sort of female supremacists if they disagree with the idea, feminism is equality for all i.e. also for men. The idea "feminism is for women does not imply it is not for equality" seems also hard for people to understand and is easily misrepresented.

How do you deal with this? If you constantly have to first convince people that feminism is not for men, not a blanket "for-all happy umbrella", it gets very frustrating and distracts from the issue at hand (and instead leads to a debate about what feminism is, and what its goals are and who it is for). Additionally, as a man you are quickly accused of mansplaining (especially by women who for some reason believe that feminism is also for men) or at least asked for a definition which is a) difficult to do for me b) at least in my case necessarily leads to accusations of mansplaining.

Nu, if you knew anything about feminism, and radical feminism, you’d know that no males are included. If you knew anything about this board you’d know we do not use that acronym to describe ourselves. The non-inclusion of males (like you) is literally the reason we are called “trans exclusionary” (even though it would include trans men, who are of the female sex)...
You don’t strike me as a female-centered (true feminist) in any way, shape or form, and are clearly just trying to derail this thread to suit your own agenda. Although it’s helpful because you’re illustrating our point. So thanks very much!

What is equality anyway?

I like the Notorious RBG’s thought’s on the matter: m.youtube.com/watch?v=hCQYUTNPSxU

You had to ask how women are even subjugated! And as Rufus says, feminism is not about equality otherwise we would be aiming for women to be as violent as men and for men to be abused and murdered at the same rate as women. We fight for women's liberation.

And men cannot be feminists as you cannot fight for women's liberation whilst simultaneously benefiting from it as part of the oppressing class. You cannot oppress us and be on our side.

As a feminist I should add.

MrGHardy

You're unlikely to find an effective soundbite to answer the poser in your post.

Other than saying feminism is the political movement to liberate women. But you will get a load of eye rolling at that.

So you are almost forced to explain. Which sometimes is a good thing, right?

Equality would mean subjecting men to the same things that women are subjected to.

Marriage to older women, cutting their genitals, two a week being killed by women, 85,000 a year being raped by women, etc. Feminism advocates to remove this, not duplicate it to achieve equality.

The word equality confuses the issue.

Benefiting from women's oppression! Typing on a different phone that is way too small and confusing!

As stated earlier feminism isn't about equality, it's about the liberation of women from patriarchy. Men can't be feminists, they can't even be allies if the won't allow women to determine what feminism is. So no DrNu, you most definitely are no feminist.

You said it so much better than me, Datun!😊😁

it's about the liberation of women from patriarchy

Can you tell me what would be the benefits of your liberation, please.

TheCountryGirl

We cross posted!

You had to ask how women are even subjugated

I look around at the women in my family. They are all sucessful and well educated. I see no subjugation.

Can you tell me what would be the benefits of your liberation, please.

Not having certain people think that it's our job to Google stuff for them, would be a start.

Not having certain people think that it's our job to Google stuff for them, would be a start

Well I don't think that for a second.

MrGHardy

Betty's clip is interesting. As is the 'man who has it all.'

Sometimes explaining things to people doesn't cut the mustard. Man who has it all is a good place. After reading just a couple of 'bits', you get it.

Well I don't think that for a second.

Excellent.

I believe in equality. I'm a Fem whether you like it or not.

How can you be a 'feminist' if you don't even know what one is?

How can you be a 'feminist' if you don't even know what one is

To me there seems to be a thousand streams of feminism. I believe in equality of the sexes, that's it.

So how about you telling me what feminism is.

So how about you telling me what feminism is.

Lo

Not having certain people think that it's our job to Google stuff for them, would be a start.

Datun,

I googled it. I believe in equality. Apparently that's not enough, so I'm entitled to ask the question to someone who tells me I am wrong.

Entitled much lol

So how about you telling me what feminism is.

What would be the point? If you cannot read words yourself and apply them to people other than mummy, it seems a complete waste of energy.

DrNuShooz

At least half this thread has explained to you what feminism is. You disagree. Because despite being a feminist, you don't think women are disadvantaged.

I'm entitled

Oh?

I'm sorry, I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that you're unable to tell me what it is because you don't actually know yourselves.

I say that because believing in equality of the sexes isn't apparently feminist any more..