Why do some people see feminism as a dirty word? Do you and what are your reasons?

Answer 1

Denigration of the word "feminist" is a mindgame played by the oppressors, who will say anything in order to retain status quo.

We are all taught by our oppressive fathers, our traditional mothers, and the (male dominated) media to think that way. Even some women see it as a dirty word, despite all the opportunities these same women have today because of the feminist movement.

Hearing a woman decry feminism is like hearing a black person say that civil rights are bad because:

Civil rights people are just white-haters and their lives aren't as good anymore now that they have professional jobs and most black people secretly wish life was how it used to be when everyone knew their place and liked it.

You would never hear a black person say that. And, likewise, we shouldn't be hearing women say that about feminism either.

I think the difference between civil rights and women's movement lies in the fact that black/white people can avoid each other as much as possible, whereas men and women need each other for sex. (Hence, why lesbians aren't as likely as straight women to give in and tolerate sexism. And hence, why many people think feminists are a bunch of man-hating lezbos.)

Amazing how mindgames work!!

Answer 2

I just heard something about this on NPR.
I hate that people see feminism as a dirty word. I never did and I consider myself a feminist. (I am married and my husband seems to think I'm pretty nice and not a manhater)
Anyway, on NPR they said that basically the war had been won, so the word has fallen out of favor.
However, WE WOMEN NEED TO RECEIVE EQUAL WAGES FOR DOING THE SAME JOB, not be penalized for taking time off work when having children, etc. I think we still have a long way to go to really be equal with men. There is a glass ceiling and I have seen it.
OH YEAH- and the gorilla girls (feminist art group) did a book on the subject. I saw them do a reading and it was pretty good.
Check out the link to the book info, and check out their other work!
http://www.guerrillagirls.com/stereotype/index.shtml

Answer 3

I don't see a problem with feminism; I fully agree that women should have an equal foothold in society as men.

The problem is, as others have said, that rarely do the more vocal feminists want equality. They've seen the power they can wield over people's heads, and many can't resist the temptation to use that power to ask for more.

People that consider feminism a dirty word probably don't know many low-key feminists who believe in it, but don't necessarily go to all the rallies in Washington. If they did, they might change their minds.

Answer 4

I don't think it's a dirty word and I do support equal respect between the sexes and equal pay for equal work. However, I think feminists went too far in that their goal was to be men among men and really took away the masculinity in many men and much of their own femininity. Whether feminists like it or not we are all MANkind and I think women should be happy being women and stop trying to compete with men. We don't need to compete with each other. Each has qualities that the other doesn't and that's why we're both here to work together; not stand toe-to-toe and argue like little kids about who's stronger than who.

Answer 5

I don't see feminism as a dirty word, but at the same time I don't want to be called one. Because I believe in equal treament, opportunity, and respect, Does that mean I need to labeled a feminist? Just call me a human being and thats it!!!

Answer 6

feminism is a difficult issue for many reasons. women should have equal rights and not be disadvantaged because they happened to be born female. they should also not have to put up with horrible things like domestic violence etc.

however, it is not a question with an instant or easy answer. by fighting for equal rights in terms of things like employment etc, it has become an economic imperative that women work in order to support themselves and their families, because families are now used to having two incomes. as such, women's choice to have children etc has been reduced because suddenly it is no longer about the choice to do what a woman wants - but the expectation to be able to do all. it is a difficult issue.

women are built differently physically, and do have a different biological reason for existing. so anything that refuses to acknowledge this can not find the true answers to this issue. but how do you fight for equality when there is innate difference at the base of the issue.

there are many layers of problems in this. do women now have to be superwomen?

Answer 7

I don't see feminism as a dirty word. Type it into Webster on-line, you will see there is nothing wrong with it.

This word has been misused a lot, that's why people react badly to it.

Answer 8

I think it's based on fear. a lot of people don't want to see women empowered (both men and women) because they are so accustomed to seeing women as second best or as being inferior to men.

These days, so many young women who should be proud to be feminists are turned off by the word because they don't know what it means. Many people think that it means a woman who hates men which in fact, it has nothing to do with that. There are women who hate men who aren't even feminists at all.

A lot of men, (not all but a lot of them), don't like to be challenged and feel that if a woman out performs them at anything, they are less than a man. I think that says something about their confidence than anything else.

It's not a dirty word at all but there are a lot who see it as one and refuse to be associated with it.

Answer 9

As a guy I hate feminists because:

1. Feminism is a noble cause, women should have equal rights wherever possible.

2. The cause of feminism is overwhelmingly hijacked by butch, ugly, disgusting, man-hating trollops.

Answer 10

No never I respect women, woman is a good friend , to a man who can risk any thing even life to a man whom she loves, Woman only is the cause to create the generations,so Kindly do not hate woman or feminism