Men what does the term feminist mean to you? Feminists - what do you call a feminist?

Question

Judging from way we talk we seem to think different things about the actually meaning of the word depending on our gender. I don't see myself as a feminist, but other non-feminists say vile things to them and about them. Why?

KATHMRC I understand your plight (more than you will ever know)and I am sorry that this is how you life is.

How does feminism apply here?

So Mr q. you think that feminsits want to be men? What about the comment from the lady above you, she hardly seems a man hater. Could that not be a fair explanation - concern about the plight of single mothers, poor pay, poverty etc?

Here is what another person wrote...motivated by the quest for social justice, feminist inquiry provides a wide range of perspectives on social, cultural, and political phenomena. Important topics for feminist theory and politics include: the body, class and work, disability, the family, globalization, human rights, popular culture, race and racism, reproduction, science, the self, sex work, and sexuality”..........SOCIAL JUSTICE.

Answer 1

Feminists believe in equality for all. Men, women, minorities, religion, social classes, culture, age, sexual orientation etc.
The problem is that some men don't want to give up the privilege they have and thus denigrate feminism. They have been brainwashed to believe that feminism is bad. All one needs to do is look up the definition. There are so many branches of feminism that seek to protect the environment are working to end the trade of human sex trade, and try and stop feminine genital mutilation. The work is to even out the axis of power so all benefit.
This has nothing to do with hating men nor making them subservient but to live together in total cooperation.

Answer 2

People who are uncomfortable in their own beliefs tend to put other people down who don't "believe" the same. And those people that are uncomfortable in their own beliefs tend to hold on to those ideals tighter than the average bear. It's sad. I thought feminism was about embracing your feminity and not letting that be an issue with pursuing your passions. Whatever your passions.

I don't know any women anymore that describe themselves as feminists, but I am in HR and it's all about affirmative action these days. So the lingo has changed drastically.

Today I see confident, brilliant women who have climbed into what used to be the mans world quite successfully. Back in the 70's and 80's, this would have been described as a feminist. Now it's just a talented person.

I see lots of younger women charging ahead, and in ten years there will be an equal mix of women in operations roles, and men in administrative assistant roles. I think feminism has also had a positive effect on having men being comfortable as stay at home dad(s).

Answer 3

Well to me a feminist is a person who is interested in equal rights for women and also is active in trying to make men aware of some of the struggles women face. Many women are single Moms and struggle financially. I myself am 48 divorced w/no kids and disabled and my income which is social security disability income is 1/2 the poverty level of the US I have to have help from my family and am fairly independent I live alone and it's rough for me.

Answer 4

OK..so I am a guy. I think a feminist is a woman or girl, who does not play into the whole "girls should be seen and not heard" a woman who understands her ability to contribute this world in a positive way. Of course, radical feminism is another story. Basically, a feminist is a woman who understands who she is and wants to be treated like a human being, not just an object for beautification.

A good book about this is called Revising Ophelia. Check it out.

ps..I am not pushing the book for gain. I have young daughters and I want them to feel empowered with who they are and their capabilities. :)

Answer 5

To me, a feminist is one who believes in female empowerment but that does not mean bringing men down. She believes that she can be a leader in a society filled with male leaders and that the other women can do the same as well. She does not believe that it is "natural" for women to be homemakers and that this is only something made up by society, people are individuals there is no need to create roles for the different sexes to play.

It is embarrassing how people assume feminists are man-haters and feel threatened, it reflects on themselves, that they are ignorant.

And for people who claim that feminists want better rights than men, they do not. You have to understand that at the beginning women had lesser rights than men, in order to propel the status of women forward, you have to "catch up" with the men so that means more work to do, that does not mean women will have better rights. It is the same for minority groups who had no rights before, they were pro-discriminated in order to have them "catch up" with the rest.

Answer 6

Feminism is pretty broad, but in all it only considers the rights of women, that's my main criticism. Equality should be our main aim, but feminism denies that to half the population.

I don't believe that feminist can just just label the extreme ones, 'not real feminists'. Feminism cares only for the rights of women. And political idealogies should include everyone. I'm sure the KKK is keen on the rights of white people, but that does not justify its existence.

The whole notion of the great world-wide conpiracy to keep women in their place is rubbish. Trust me, men love women, we couldn't get along without you.

Some feminist movements don't do too much damage, but others constantly demonise men and use various tactics just to get women angry. Sexism is allowed in feminism as it is considered a political idealogy, and any critics of it are immediately labelled 'women -hating sexist pigs'

Basically, the morality in feminism depends on the gender of the person who does something. That is what i oppose.

Human rights are for humans, not just for women.

Just my two cents, thanks.

p.s. I doubt we will ever see equal gender participation in all fields, because women and men have different brains and different preferences. People should do what they want, not what is good to even up the numbers.

Answer 7

i think its very sad that a woman feels she needs to label herself as a feminist in order to feel strong. i beleive women are equal in every way but men and women are different in many ways and have different needs. and a woman can be independent, strong, and proud of herself with out having to identify herself with a group of angry women with such a horendous outlook on the male gender. i think feminism has its own agenda NOT for equality but for superiority and they play the role of victim to get what they want. which is something that no true independent equal and strong woman would EVER stoop too. women should be proud to be women not angy that they are not men. they are different but equal and there should be no gender roles. but each has different nedds that need to be fulfilled accordingly

Answer 8

A feminist is someone who believes women should have all of the rights and privileges of men (such as military service in combat units), without the burden of men's obligations (such as mandatory draft registration.)

Answer 9

Part 1.A group of disgruntled women who have the panties all twisted.

Part 2. A disgruntled women who has her panties all twisted.

Answer 10

A feminist is a female who carries a banner with the word 'equalty' on it, yet continually discriminates against men.