Today, I feel the need to discuss an issue that has a deeper root in society than we believe. It’s obvious that feminism is an important part of any society. But if I were to use another phrase, I’d go with equality of the sexes. You see, by definition, both terms are pretty much synonymous. Then why is it that all of us are so afraid of this word? Why is feminism, of all things considered a taboo word in today’s society? Is there more to the issue in itself than meets the eye?
I beg to differ. It is simply our perception of feminism that is slightly different from what the word in itself means. We tend to associate feminism, just the word, with angry, aggressive women hell bent on torturing the male in the name of justice. I agree that if this is our take on feminism, all the men, and women too will back out in fear and disgust. But there is something that we must all remember. Under the guise of strength and power, some men choose to behave in ways that we have normalized as characteristic of the male. To women, this would seem as the only way to get people to listen and obey which, sadly, is nothing more than patriarchy one step further.
It was two years with people openly expressing their complete disregard for human suffering, especially the female, which made me decide that feminism was an issue that I had to fight for. But as time went on, I was slowly bordering on hating on the male. What I had set out to do was fight for equality, but above all, bring about awareness regarding the need for human decency. When I finally became conscious of my attitude towards boys in general, I realized that I had simply oscillated from one extreme of the spectrum to the other. But by the time this seemingly obvious fact dawned on me, two years had already passed by.
Now I wonder how people viewed my stand on the issue. Certainly, I think it’s admirable in today’s society to be open about our protests, but to reduce the male to a “coagulation of all human evil” is a bit extreme. You see, I am not denying that my actions were necessary, but viewing every man as scum of the earth simply because of a few boys, is in retrospect childish.
What I had meant to fight against had been the disgusting culture of patriarchy and sexism. Those boys had simply been the visible aspects of the problem in itself. Through the years I have questioned my anger, hatred and suspicion toward every man and boy out there, wondering how it was that I got to be that way. But I realize that everything I felt wasn’t directed toward just half of humanity, but the blissful ignorance with which all of us lead our lives, forever perpetuating this social evil. And I have come to accept that this anger was all right. Because it set into motion a series of events that have managed to channel my emotions in the right direction.
Valerie Solanas, an American ‘radical’ feminist had a few things to say about men that definitely proves the point I have been making. “Every man, deep down, knows he is a worthless piece of shit,” and “The male is an incomplete female, a walking abortion, aborted at the gene stage,” were a few of her ideas as a feminist. Hearing somebody say this in the name of feminism would make any man question his identity. Is he really as bad as she makes him out to be? Is this the feminism that the society is seeking?
It is no wonder that people fear feminism. I think it is up to us to tell people, educate them about feminism. Women out there, who believe that true freedom is gained through oppressing their male counterparts, are practicing misandry, not feminism. It is essential we make that distinction clear for ourselves. The definition of feminism has otherwise become quite warped in the world today and so it is important that we know its significance, and true meaning.
But, even if I were to scrap the word feminism and put before you the words ‘equality in all respects,’ will you have a change of heart? Will you speak out? Why not?
It’s because what we fear isn’t necessarily equality; we fear the endless cycle of angst, hatred and negativity that our actions against acts we deem immoral will set in motion. But just think about it; you either remain consumed with fear your whole life, or risk a few uncomfortable situations to pave your path, however small, to true freedom. It’s your pick.
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