What Feminism Actually Stands For

Feminism has gotten a bad reputation over Twitter. Some people view feminism as a movement that puts women above men, but that isn’t the case at all. In fact, meninism only adds to the many reasons why we need feminism within society.

By simple definition, feminism is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” No where in there does it say one sex is above the other. The goal and hope that comes from feminists alike, is equality in all shapes and forms for everyone.

Misconceptions are that all feminists hate men, when actually, that’s simple misandry. Even if feminism can hurt men in the process, it actually helps them because feminism also fights against the so-

cietal expectations of masculine men. Another is that only women are feminists, but men are too since feminism is a term that promotes gender equality. Feminists also aren’t all against marriage and only are career orientated. Feminism promotes freedom of choice to anybody. If a woman chooses a career over motherhood or vice versa, she should be allowed to do so without judgement and full of respect. A woman should be allowed to decide if she wants to get married and have children or not.

Feminism fights against the patriarchy and wants to overcome the gender roles and stereotypes that come with it. Feminists want women to receive equal pay, to be able to be open about their sexuality without being looked down upon, to make their own choices for their bodies, and to work in any type of environment without bias for their gender. All feminists want, really, is equal opportunities and not to be looked down for breaking societal norms. Even further, feminism fights against the stereotype that men have to be masculine or else they’re viewed as something they’re not. It fights against gender roles within society. It fights for those of color, the LQBTQ+ community, and those who face mental illness. It’s not about making one more important.

It’s all about equality in all forms, for all people.