Does anti-feminism need a new name?

Question

Since it is impossible to tell what kind of an anti-feminist a person is from the name, having no theory behind it and being associated with ignorance, hypocracy and confusion, is it time anti-feminism had a new name? Surely, the only people it benefits are the radical anti-feminists, whom it suits to have a group identity to hide behind.

So what do you think it should be called?

Do you think we need to split the anti-feminists into different categories, and if so what categories do you suggest? :-)

Answer 1

You could probably apply the same categories as feminism has - radical, liberal etc. But I don't like the idea of trying to put people into categories at all; we're all individuals and no two people's beliefs about equality are going to be exactly the same. As with feminism, I think a name will always be meaningless because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. Can't we just define ourselves by our own views, rather than by a label?

Answer 2

What should we should we do with Eleanor B or is that too long : )

Oh, don't even go there...you can laugh tho ok ; )

Answer 3

Call me what you will, labels have never bothered me before.

Answer 4

The same qualities you associate with anti feminism: ignorance, hypocracy,and confusion, are also a part of feminism.

Answer 5

Well, liberals love labeling people who disagree with them as Anti-(something everyone supports) so how bout we call them Anti-womanists or Anti-freedomists, it doesn't realy matter if they are against woman or freedom, thats not the point of propoganda doublespeak

Answer 6

Isn't it their job to come up with it? They like traditionalist I think. Some use anti-feminist.

There's anti-feminist: against any feminism at the present day, believes men are oppressed.

Traditionalist: Wants to revert back to the good old days

And some that are just anti-radical-feminism. That's a long name.

(The point is: feminism has many names: liberal, radical, gender, race, social. These names help define what theories a feminist identifies with. Those who identify themselves as "anti-feminist" seem to have no clear idea WHAT they're anti, and ramble on about vague stereotypes and occasional unfounded insults. Just read the questions on here. A clear identity, and some consistancy in what they actually want to achieve, would help both them and feminists work out how to compromise (hopefully). And maybe force those of them who try to claim they just don't like feminists that actually they really want women to have next to no rights again. Thats a minority, but some do think that; well, judging from their questions and answers anyway.)

EDIT: Super Ruper - don't you prove the point? You'd get included in the group along with people who want women to have fewer rights, when actually you state a belief in equality. Most feminists don't identify with radical or gender feminism (the ones you would dislike) but we have these different labels, if we want to use them. That's the point. You have a very vague label now, it would be helpful if you had a more precise one.

Answer 7

I find little need to label myself anything.  I have my beliefs, I live my life according to them.  I don't need a movement to assist me, nor a sign to wear around my neck so that all who meet me are clear on my priorities and beliefs.  

Anti-feminism is not anti-equality.  And we understand feminism just fine, thank you.  It is the bastardization of the movement for equality that has us in the 'anti' category....not the notion that all people are equal!  To that end, I am not anti all feminists...just those who act with a distorted sense of entitlement, and those who want MORE than their fair share of the pie.  It is that group that makes me 'anti'.

Your assertion that antifeminism has no theory and that it is associated with ignorance tells me that you NEED labels in your life.  That you want to understand the intents, thoughts and feelings of others.  How bout you focus on your own, and stop worrying so much about others?