Does it seem that many people view feminism in inaccurately specific terms?

Question

Because I've noticed that a lot of the people complaining about feminism in this section are really really defining it the most narrowly I can think of. There are groups of feminists who are pro-life, groups based on racial gender issues, those anti-p**n and those pro-p**n, those who are ecologically-minded, liberal feminists, anarcho-feminists, those who concentrate on third-world treatment of women, and those who just hold to some basic ideas of changing the way social conditions work for women, who may not even call themselves feminists, but that's mostly because it's a dirty word.

Why do you think it is that the view projected by anti-feminists is so negative and biased? Is it because of the media's defamation of the word "feminism"? What can happen to reclaim the word, or to help others realize the breadth and scope of world views of women? And if you don't think that I'm correct here, can you intelligently explain to me why?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism

Answer 1

It's not that many people inaccurately define it - it's that our resident anti-feminist trolls take perverse delight in deliberately misunderstanding it to wind feminists up and associate it with negative connotations.  No-one with half a brain would believe the things they make up though (and they would have to be brainless to actually believe what they are saying is true)  :-)

Answer 2

The short answer, I suppose, is that some of the more radical, idiotic views capture the imagination of many. People already skeptical embrace such negative ideas, because they reinforce unfavorable attitudes within the recessess of their minds.

Answer 3

Feminism, to me, is all about having the political and social freedom to make my own choices. Simple as that. As such, I don't want to marry and have children.

That's my choice. Another woman may make a different choice. And if she lives in a decent society where she is educated and free enough to make that choice, that's fine. That's what we need to remind young women about feminism. Simple as that :)

p.s. personally, I find that most men are an idle, useless waste of time and I have better things to do than attract one (it doesn't help that I am so attractive to them though, haha)...  but that is not a view I need to preach. At least I have the freedom to share my views with other women if they ask.

Answer 4

This section of Answers attracts a group of men who have a hatred of strong, intelligent emancipated women which is on a par to the racial hatred towards blacks held by many in the southern states of America during the days of the KKK.

They spout sexual hatred and ignorance at every opportunity  Why are they so negative and biased? one can only assume that like those above it is because they are un-educated and ignorant, sadly there is no educating them as they are not looking for debate here just others who will support their hatred. You see it constantly in their supposition that we are all man hating radicals who wish to reduce men to second class citizens, the position women held for centuries.

These are men who could never have a real platonic friendship with a female or really consider any opinion given by one as they have no respect for women.

Answer 5

Feminism, I am sick of explaining why it is evil.

Answer 6

Look, Jules, the problem I have isn't with feminism.  It's with the women who think their S**t doesn't stink.  Perhaps its a unintended outcome of feminism, but women are arrogant, and it's quite repulsive.

but more power to you, I guess.

Answer 7

I don't use wikipedia to come to conclusions.  I use standard reference and source material.  I arrive at my conclusions by Evidence.

The vast preponderance of the evidence demonstrates, unequivocally, that modern Feminism is little more than hatred, pure and simple

If one looks closely, it's self-evident, but if one doesn't want to see the truth, than one doesn't need to accept the truth, because isn't really looking.

I don't violate rules nor do I engage in conduct unbecoming.  I respect and adore normal women, but despite this I'm considered a misogynist by modern Feminists, so frankly I think it's in your best interest to blindly follow the rhetoric of modern Feminism and try NOT to see the forest through the trees.

Answer 8

The problem is that people don't understand what feminism is. Most people see us as bra burning, hairy arm-pitted, man-haters. This could not be further from the truth! I shave my armpits, would never even think of burning my pretty lacy bras and have a boyfriend whom I love very much and who is supporting me through my MA! Feminism is the belief that we are all equal, that means men and women of all ethnicities and nationalities (men are just as disadvantaged by male/ female stereotypes as women are, for example, crying is seen as a weakness, they can't raise children, etc). This is what feminism means to me and to the majority of feminists, regardless of their exact interpretation of specific issues and their individual views on how to tackle the problem.

The reason for this misrepresentation is firstly because of the fact that patriarchy (and by that I mean men AND women who are invested in the status quo) is threatened by feminism and so the media reacts against it. However, secondly, the media is sensationalist. Who would you give more attention to, a moderate feminist discussing the oppression of women, or a radical feminist who claims ceasareans are like rape? The second one sells better, so she gets more attention by the media (and I use she here because I am talking about Dworkin, I would never assume that a feminist was either male or female!) and so she becomes the face of feminism to the masses.

As far as I am concerned, the only way to change this opinion is through education in schools and universities.

To La Rose: As far as the issue of motherhood goes, I would just like to clarify that feminism is not about denying biological difference (look up Irigaray, one of the leading French feminists...) but about choice. I want the right to choose whether I have a child, not have it forced upon me by a society who only values women as mothers. In addition, it is about getting motherhood recognised as being of equal value to "male" functions. People don't recognise the fact that being a full-time mother or father is a job and a career. The question isn't whether women are happy in child-rearing roles, but why it is that these roles are not valued. In any society, child-rearing cannot be seen as truly valued when men are looked down on for doing it.

Oh, and don't say I am taking a Western view, because there are differences between all countries when it comes to feminism (even within Europe) and I'm sure if you did a bit of research you would find there are feminists native to your country too!

Answer 9

Reporting bias: radical views get more airtime, are more often repeated, and stick in the mind more than the moderate views, even though the moderate views are held by the majority. Also, the majority do not feel the need to voice their opinions as much as the radicals. People with strong and dogmatic ideology do tend to want to talk about it more. But they are the *minority*.

The we get the effect where all feminists are associated negatively with anything which men feels restricts their rights. Like child custody. I have yet to see any conclusive *evidence* that feminists are actively preventing men from getting custody. But this inequality is often blamed on feminists.

Also, if you want the psychology behind it, out-groups (groups other than the ones you identify with, and groups you specifically do NOT identify with) you represent as firstly significantly worse than the in group (your group) and secondly as more homogenous (the same). So anti-feminists, for whom feminists are the out-group, misrepresent them as significantly worse, and all very similar.

Answer 10

"World views of women" you see right there that's where I have a problem..

You don't represent all women over the world or even in your country yet you pretend to...

Basically you can't stigmatise feminism, its already stigmatised itself by imperialising others with their beliefs and hijacking equality while arbitrarily deciding when it applies..

Equal rights yet VAWA? Could be fair but it isn't equal by definition so if you're about equality prove it.

Equality btw is one area where you can't deny feminism has attempted to make synonomous with itself, yet it rarely practices it as I say

Answer 11

Feminism means to me being able to chose what I want to do with my life without restrictions based upon my being female.  That I don't have to be a nurse, secretary or teacher but that all positions are open to me.

I graduated from high school in 1964 & came of age with the Woman's Lib movement.  A woman only 10 yrs younger than myself told me that woman's lib did nothing for her.  Ha!! Little did she know.

When I was 23 I applied for a small loan of $200 and was told that I could get it only if my father co-signed!  That same year a friend wanted her first name printed on the joint account with her husband but was told it had to be Mrs. Larry.........

Can you imagine being told that today!  I can think of other examples but you get the picture.

Women today should thank the women who have gone before them who have enabled them to become whatever they wish to become.

Answer 12

Let me spell it out for you.  I don't give a d**n what you have to say.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

See look what I brought you; see all isn't lost.

5 TDs oh you are slipping. LOL I laugh and you are in pain.  "What are we doing wrong?   Why don't they like us?  "I would never burn my lacey bras."  http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_r...

look at your sick whining. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...  "One word; Power. They want to keep it, and are threatened by women who know thier rights and are willing to fight to keep them."  What in the h**l is she talking about. If you feminists were as powerful as you say you are; you'd leave those who want nothing to do with it and get on with your lives; however, that's a concept that you feminist don't understand.

Edit@Yorkie Mum I'm so proud of you, you have got lacey bras.  <wink> oh I bet the mister enjoys that.

Answer 13

Hello there

I'm giving you a link to a well maintained site that echoes the views of many "anti-feminists".

http://www.freewebs.com/feminism-evaluat...

if you do take the time to read through it you will understand why so many take issue with feminism.

Answer 14

It's just like Christians. Sure, not ALL of them are right-wing jacka**  nutjobs who believe un-baptized babies burn in h**l and that g*y people are the reason behind natural disasters and that abortions should carry the death penalty.  But those are the ones you hear about the most, right? The media knows what sells - crazy, extreme views. As someone else said, what's more interesting: the moderate feminist who wishes to discuss the roles currently available to women in the workplace today, or the 6'5" bull L*****n radical feminist who says all men are scum?

It's unfortunate that people like to generalize. I know lots of sweet, awesome Christians who would never tell me I'm going to h**l for being bi. On the other hand, I know lots of jacka** Christians who would shoot me on sight if it didn't put them in jail. Do I generalize about Christians as a whole? No.

I take each person as they come and judge them on their own merits.

Answer 15

I will not spout pseudo-science, as above.

I think this problem is especially bad in the USA for a number or reasons, and the following isn't meant to be an exhaustive list:

- poor public education system

- a pervasive pop-culture media and the entertainment industry perpetrate gender stereotypes

- a national climate of anti-intellectualism

- too many bible-thumpers

- No media standards. Much of the stuff aired on Fox like Limbaugh and Coulter wouldn't make it on the air.  Fox would lose its broadcasting license unless they cut out the hatespeech,  Such programming contributes nothing of value and is often profoundly offensive. Canadian Broadcast Standards Council oversees the CAB Code of Ethics, including the Radio-Television News Directors' Association's Code of (Journalistic) Ethics.  What you see on Fox is NOT "ethical journalism".  Its not even journalism at all.

Answer 16

Yes. All forms of feminism may have one similar belief (equality) at their core, but everything after the fact varies. It's easier to peg all feminists as one thing instead of learning about or accepting differences.

Answer 17

I notice it's a lot of men with issues about women.  Obviously they are alone and are angry about it.