Is the word "feminist" an insult or a compliment?

Question

I've been called one before even though I love men! I wasn't sure whether to defend myself or say "thank you."

This topic came up as I was having a discussion with a man about gender equality and breaking free of the "50s housewife" mold/mentality.

Answer 1

It is a compliment.  I appreciate their sacrifices unlike many ungrateful women today.

Answer 2

Feminism is a discourse that involves various movements, theories, and philosophies which are concerned with the issue of gender difference, advocate equality for women, and campaign for women's rights and interests (wiki).

There are plenty of men who are feminists and plenty of feminists who love men. A lot of contemporary feminist academics are now beginning to examine the ways in which dominant forms of masculinity serve to repress huge numbers of men who do not necessarily fit in to the accepted ways of being a man. Its not just about burning bras and womens rights, its about gender equality.

Answer 3

That should be an insult. Feminism = Matriarchy.

Matriarchy = Division.

Division = Collapse.

Answer 4

people sometimes throw these words around when someone says something they don't like. i would laugh it off

Answer 5

There's nothing wrong with being a feminist. The only people who think it's a insult or are offended by it are the people who dont like the idea of women as any kind of leader or trail blazer. Basically anything that breaks the societal norms of female submissiveness or subservience to men.  

Answer 6

I would take it as an insult and defend myself.......but that's just me personally. Guess it would also depend on how well I knew the man!

Answer 7

NOT FUNNY

Answer 8

Depends on the person saying it. When I say it, it's an insult.

Answer 9

It could be either one.  You should ask what the word means to them.

Answer 10

i wouldnt like to be called a feminist lol

not being mean to you but they just remind me of those skin headed bra-burners

i saw a show called dangerous jobs for girls where they got these really feminist women to go and work in what woud be called mens worlds, like cattle ranches and tree fellers

ive never seen more over-bearing, proud women in my life

dont get me wrong; im all for breaking out of the 50s housewife thing, but im not a man eater

Answer 11

Actually in it's basic sense, feminism or being a feminist, involves the advancement and equality of women...that's all. I would not consider that an insult, if in fact you are as described.

Unfortunately the movement has evolved to a more radical level and has taken on a less feminine appearance.