What are some misconceptions people have about feminism?

Question

What are some misconceptions people have about feminism?

Answer 1

That feminists are very bitchy and hate men. To me, real feminism is not about hating men, but about men and women having mutual respect for each other.

Answer 2

That it's not about equality (see above), that it's about crushing men (why?), that feminists hate the family structure, that feminists aim to make women like men, that feminists want to wipe out men, that feminists are all unfeminine, usually L*****n, and single.

I am particular amused by people (men, mostly) who feel the need to link all of feministic motives back to their personal genatalia (either feminists want to cut it off, or want to have their own, or are jealous, etc). This preoccupation some people have is entertaining and not a little revealing.

Answer 3

Some men think it is a movement to crush men.

Some women use it as a movement to try and crush men.

Answer 4

Well, I would say that SOME of the misconceptions do have some basis in fact, Others are just silly.

Feminists are sexist.  (Not all are, but the few who are really aren't doing the movement any favours)

Feminists aren't feminine. (It does seem that some women aren't even proud of being a woman, and seek to become a man- I mean, c'mon- I could pee standing up, but I don't because it would be messy!)

Feminists are ugly- Obviously a grand generalisation- being a feminist has nothing to do with looks- all sorts of women are feminists, some are pretty, some are not.

Feminists don't value motherhood- Well, I'm a mother... And I happen to think that raising my child will be the most important thing I ever do.  There may be some that don't value it, they would most likely be the ones without children.  And that is a good thing- if you don't value motherhood, it is best to not have any kids.

Feminists are lesbians- Obviously not! If all feminists were lesbians, none of us would be married, or have children.  I'm sure some are, Sexual orientation wouldn't influence being a feminist.  (That's like saying ALL hetero women are anti-feminists!)



I wear a bra, I like men, I am hetero, I am a mother, I am proud of being a woman, I value men and their need for equal rights just as much as I value women and our need for equal rights.  I don't hold with sexism- and putting men down is sexist, any way you look at it.  I am not a radical.  I do not agree with female superiority, I am a stay at home, yet I also have career ambitions (for after she starts school)

I'm sure there are more, but I can't think of any at the moment.

Answer 5

Everything.  

!)  that men can tell by looking at a woman or by the way that she acts whether or not she is a feminist.  

2)  that feminist dislike men, and or act out inappropriately.

3)  That we are either lesbians or s***s.

I could go on.

Answer 6

For one, some feminists believe feminism is about equality and most feminist dont know what sort of equality feminism stands for.

How can a movement have members that are so out of touch with the meaning of the movement

Answer 7

Mostly everything.

Answer 8

A lot of attempted mind-reading here <laughs> In order to not follow a certain belief does not necessarily mean a person has a misconception towards it. They simply don't believe it; stop seeing things that aren't even there.

Answer 9

That it is about equality.

Answer 10

That they are for equality and don't hate men.

Answer 11

1. That it's anti-family/anti-child/anti-homemaker.

2. That it's anti-male.

3. That it's composed entirely of hirsute, overweight, flannel-clad lesbians.

And about 7 out of 10 of the comments regularly posted on this forum.

Answer 12

I think that the biggest misconception that most people have about feminism is that it is all about hating men. Feminism occurred because women realized how economically disadvantaged they were relying on a man's income, and they also realized that they could not earn the same wages as a man as a result of not being able to get hired in the same positions that men held. It is interesting that in our current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan women are actually in combat, even though they are not supposed to be by military law. Women in combat zones are seeing things that would make most civilian men cringe.

Answer 13

Misconception from anti-feminists about feminists/feminism:

that feminists are all man hating, selfish, rude, anti-family, anti-religion, don't care about how they look and lack compassion for others...and will step on others to get to the top.

Misconceptions about feminists from feminist:

that if you're a feminist that means you really have your act together all the time, you're invincible and confident all the time...and aren't vulnerable when it comes to relationships so you'll never get hurt or get your heart broken ...and that we accept our appearance 100%  and of course we always get along with  other feminists and always agree.

At least that's what I used to think when I was a teenager...

Both misconceptions, of course, are just that, misconceptions. Feminists like anyone else are human and are apt to have the same virtues, worries and faults as anyone else.

Answer 14

They say that feminism is all about female rights but at the same time they bash men and say that woman don't need men. It's like they have hatred toward men more then helping the world understand female rights. A lot of feminist are lesbians due to rape, s*x abuse on some mens part who are like that and they spread the hate to all men. Just spread it to the person who **** you up I say.

Answer 15

1. Feminists hate men

2. Feminists care more about female superiority than gender equality

3. All feminists are lesbians

4. Feminists don't wear bras

5. Feminists never shave

6. All feminists are ugly

7. All feminists are fat

8. All feminists say "womyn"

9. All feminists are against p**n

10. All feminists are pro-choice

Answer 16

That it's 100% wrong.