Why would a woman not identify as a feminist? Is'nt that a form of self hatred?

Question

To Alexandra and others- I am a feminist and a stay at home mother of 4, I am very feminine and infact take great pride in my feminine beauty. To me a feminist is another person,[male or female], who believes in equality and fairness for both sexes. For those of u who think the battle has been won already do u have any understanding of world issues, is it enough that only a small portion of the western world has become more enlightened. I was born in Africa but raised in a western country,[in a muslim tradition], and believe me , it might b better for some white middle class women but inequality is a very real issue confronting millions of women world wide,[or do only white western women count?].

Answer 1

Most of the time it's because they don't understand what feminism is. In fact, I'm willing to take the big step to say that it's always because they don't understand what it is.. Unless, of course she's a door mat.

Answer 2

To me, feminism implies that there are great inequality battles to be won. I don't believe there are. The country's law makers and enforcers have done all they can to put in place the laws that ensure equality. But feminists don't want to just stop there. They also want to break out the thought police as well. If someone is discriminated against, they can go through the proper channels to have their situation remedied, but you can't legislate that everyone like you and agree with every word that comes out of your mouth.

mamastill, I want to address the issue you brought up about the injustices to women around the world. The countries that need feminism should have feminism. What I am saying is that America and other Westernized countries do not need feminism. I find it ridiculous for an American woman to cry about how some male wrestling team won't let her participate when there are women on the other side of the world who are in sex slavery, having their genitalia mutilated, or being stoned to death.

Answer 3

By definition, feminism is great- who wouldn't be a feminist (even men)? However, connotatively feminism has become a more extreme thing. The people I know who describe themselves as a feminists are generally "man-haters". Nowadays, if a woman chooses to stay at home with her children & fulfill that role- she is seen as weak, whereas a career woman is respected in society.
I fully support equal rights for women and I hope that we can do away with the corporate glass ceiling existing in the U.S. and many other countries today. I fully plan on continuing with my education and career as I have much to offer the world. However, I will take a year or two off when my child is born to be home with her while my spouse works. There is nothing wrong with this. My mother worked her a** off throughout my childhood because she felt guilty if she didn't do so. That is ridiculous that any woman should feel this way!!!
In my opinion it is rather selfish to pursue career interests at the expense of your children having a parent at home (and, yes the stay-at-home can also be the man) if you can afford to do so.
It's also gotten to the point where many men don't know if they should even hold a door for a girl for fear that she will be upset at him for "falling back to traditional gender roles". Sorry, but when an older gentleman calls me ma'am and holds a door- I'm flattered. Yes, women and men should be treated with full equality. However, when we let that pendulum swing too far- we lose as women.

Answer 4

Not really. Not identifying oneself as a feminist is the same as not identifying with any political party. Some women already feel that we have achieved equality and there is no longer a need to identify with feminism. It's about personal choice and expression, not necessarily self-hatred.

Answer 5

The term "feminist" comes with a lot of baggage. I am all for equal rights, but I wouldn't call myself a feminist because that would connote that I may put women ahead of men, that I may be angry at men, that I may be angry at society - even though that's not the true definition of feminism.

So, no. I'm not a feminist. I don't hate myself or my gender. ...unless they're carrying little dogs and flapping their mouths about when they ran into LC from The Hills. That's Hollyweird for you.

Answer 6

Because they don't know what a feminist is. They are thinking of the stereotype of some butch angry man hater. They don't understand what a feminist really stands for. Not surprising since the most vocal and visible people in any movement tend to be on the fringe.

Answer 7

A woman does not have to identify or define herself by political titles. Also, too many feminists are militant and it gives the group a bad image so many women stay away from the label.

Answer 8

A lot of these women have very warped ideas of what feminism actually is. They think it's a crusade against men and traditional femininity when it's really a crusade against the absolute power of men and enforced, outdated definitions of femininity.

Answer 9

i dont consider myself a feminist..and no i dont hate myself or my sex. i feel a "feminist" is a female who fights for the rights of women's rights and is all political etc etc...thats not me..i dont fight for any causes..i feel comfortable in my life and how the world treats females in my part of the world. i know there are some differences in treatment but nothing makes me feel like "I GOTTA GO PROTEST FOR WOMEN POWER!" i'm content with my place in society right now..never saying i wont stand up and fight for inequalities..cause i just might some day down the road..and then i'll consider myself a feminist

Answer 10

Feminism is about the right to choose your role in life. If a woman chooses to be second to her husband then she has the freedom to choose it. Feminism is not about being a woman with a career only, it's about being able to choose your path in life and not have one forced upon you. It is also about being treated as an equal in the workplace and at home...if that is what you desire.

Answer 11

Some women have the belief that it is more constructive towards society for women to serve in traditional gender roles.