The term 'feminism' means "the seeking and assuring of equality amongst men and women". The definition itself is honourable, to say the least. Nontheless, isn't the femininity of the word sexist and hindering to the cause?
Feminists claim to seek equality amongst men and women. Yet, they assume, by their own term, equality is best encapsulated by the feminine, (femi-nism). If feminism despises the uplifting of one sex above the other, why do they not associate themselves with a neutral term. Such as "Equalism/Equalists" ?
In logic of their cause, feminists strive against stereotypes. They proclaim that society should not limit a sex with generalizations. Yet, to associate equality with the feminine, and excluding the masculine, is to assume women are for equality, and men are anti-equality or neglect equality. Thus, stereotyping against men and contradicting their own ideology.
For this reason, the term 'feminism' has seperated men and women rather than unite them.
Do you agree?
2006-06-26 14:08:32 · 7 answers · asked by man_id_unknown 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Good point, I guess. But, throughout history, women's place as equals has not been assumed, rather the opposite. So by asserting the use of the word "feminism," it was in contrast to the assumed norm of the time, which was male predominance. And you have to admit that men have not always been "for equality." The rights that women have gained had to be "granted" by males, who made the rules, enforced the rules, wrote the laws. Perhaps it's time for a new term, but first let's look at the make-up of the House and Senate, the Cabinet, the highest offices of the U.S. And if we are assuming equality amongst the sexes, why are women still paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same work? Why are single mothers more likely to live at poverty level?
It's a good theory, but I don't think the reality is there yet.
2006-06-26 14:18:56 · answer #1 · answered by keri gee 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Feminism is not specifically for equality of the sexes, it is for raising the status of women to be equal with that of men. Thus it is appropriately titled. Feminists tend not to work on issues in which men are disadvantaged, they work on those issues where women are disadvantaged. Since society has been male-dominated for so long, any project of gender-equality would have to start off by working on women's issue. While they certainly do desire sexual equality, since they only work on uplifting one sex, sexual equality is a side-effect. Otherwise you would have a good point.
2006-06-26 18:01:48 · answer #2 · answered by student_of_life 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that in general feminists are confused. Many want their equal rights, but they also want their special treatment. I always lift men to a level that is above the level that I am on. I respect men much more than I respect women.
2006-06-26 14:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by Pirate_Wench 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Feminism also allows men to have equality with women, i.e. sharing child-rearing, housework; and allowing men to express their emotions more openly.
2006-06-26 14:13:14 · answer #4 · answered by J9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. I also believe they will be equal when they get drafted.
2006-06-26 14:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by wackydac 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...and the funny thing is, there isn't one ounce of femininity in the majority of them.
2006-06-26 14:11:33 · answer #6 · answered by Kitten 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no offense but people would answer ur question if it werent this long.
2006-06-26 14:11:57 · answer #7 · answered by xoveexo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋