Do you think a better word than Feminism could be used to describe the desire for equal gender rights?

Question

People seem to get a completely wrong impression by the term "Feminist." Most people, and practically all women believe in basic equality for females, yet they seem intimidated by the term. It sounds like if "feminists" are looking for female superiority to some or many.

Answer 1

Some are. But I just want to be equal, and I have no problem using the word "feminist". People can take it however they want, the only reason that people have that view of feminists is because when the movement started they had to go overboard to get their points across when they wanted to prove that females are equal.

Answer 2

I think it's sad, really, that so many jump to the conclusion that feminism is "bad", without first understanding what the word really means. It's much more than a word. It's a historical progression of equal rights, opportunities, and liberties for women. It's the belief that we have equal value, equal worth, and deserving of respect. Most women actually do believe in having equal rights, and do not see themselves as "inferior" to men. This is what defines a true "feminist." There have been cases of a "few bad apples" and apparently they have spoiled the whole barrel. Now people are afraid to identify themselves as having feminist beliefs. Even if we change the word to something else, say "equalist" or "humanist" (which seems ideal on the surface), there will be those who still will say that those who fight for equality do so because they are feminists. We'll still be accused of advocating "female superiority" (which is not true), and still some will say we don't care about others' rights (also not true.) So, regarding that small segment of the population who are misinformed about feminism, these attitudes will likely persist no matter what we call it. So, I guess what I'm saying is this: it may be futile to change the term. Prejudice and stereotypes will still exist when it comes to feminism, it'll just exist under a new "name."

Answer 3

Feminism is the right word: an organization that only cares about females, not men, children, or society.

You can call a duck a giraffe but it remains a duck.

Calling feminism anything else does not remove the sexism that is inherent to the belief that women deserve special rights without equal responsibility in order to be "equal" to men.

In other words, it is not the word that is used to name the group that is the problem, it is the actions of that group.

Answer 4

i always say that i'm not a 'fair-weather feminist' - meaning i'll take the bad with the good.

feminism started out as promoting the rights & status of women. we still need to do that. there's not a country on earth that has achieved equality between the sexes. when there is, i'll call myself a humanist or something like that - but until then i refuse the term.

equality is attainable. we don't have to be alike to gain equality. we are different but equal. simple as that.

i advocate on behalf of human rights for all (issues like torture, detention, etc), but my interest in particular is in attaining equality - i doubt i'll see it in my life time but i'll fight for it nonetheless.

Answer 5

Equality

Answer 6

A better word should be "autonomous"
As a woman and human being i pride myself in being autonomous.
Autonomous : an autonomous being is one that has the power of self-direction, possessing the ability to act as it decides, independent of the will of others and of other internal or external factors.

I'll add in: with little or no regard to gender

Answer 7

funny you should ask, i was pondering that very thought earlier. i feel like feminism is lumped in with all the other ism's...racism, fascism, ageism... almost all ism's carry a negative connotation. i don't really think equality is attainable given the most basic differences between the sexes. i can't swing a hammer as hard as my man, but by the same token my man is not wired for cooperative thinking (it's always about competition). all i really support are the most basic of civil rights for every one, life liberty and the pursuit of happiness and of course equal pay for equal work. does that make me a feminist?

Answer 8

Humanism and that's what it should've been called in the first place. Still, I don't change my position; there is no way a man and woman can ever be equal. Take the equal pay thing for instance. This is my theory, though it may be a bit out there, what I believe is that women have a higher rate of expenses to be covered by a company is all; meaning at one time women were complaining why do we have to lose pay; meaning pay out of our own pockets if we have babies/periods. Now what I believe is the U.S. government came to the rescue. Sure your pay seems to be less, yet it is still the same; only garnished is all. Anyways that's my bit.

Answer 9

Great question. I particularly don't like labels like this in any situation. I don't think it's about feeling intimidated yet rather that a stereotype is being draped over any women that questions the inequalities in the world.

Answer 10

Not many women are "intimidated" by the word "feminism". But, I'm all for using words that don't scare men too much. Humanism is a good word, but, that word, too, has traditionally frightened many men. Go figure. It makes no difference what the word. The principles of tolerance, equality, freedom and fair chance are simply going to be frightening to those people who do not believe in them. Oh well.