I think the
term ‘feminism’ excites the listeners especially the men of our modern
society who take interest in ridiculing the followers or admirers of feminism.
I feel that this kind of a mocking attitude is rooted in the ignorance
of what feminism actually peaches. The Merriam
Webster dictionary defines feminism as, “the theory of the political,
economic, and social equality of the sexes” or as the “organised activity on
behalf of women’s rights and interests”. So basically feminism speaks about
gender equality and urges men to acknowledge women as intellectually endowed beings.
Contrary to the actual principles of feminism we tend to have certain
preconceived notions about the theory of feminism and ‘feminists’. For instance,
some of my friends (which include both men and women) believe that a feminist is
a woman who tries to be like a man. I used to believe that this is a common
notion upheld by the uneducated sections of our society but was astonished to find that some of
my friends also believed in the same! I would like
to clarify that feminism is not about imitating men's behaviour or
dressing styles but about proudly embracing femininity and performing with dignity the tasks
that only a woman can perform while at the same time fighting for an equal
space.
So before ridiculing the principles of feminism we should at least make
an attempt to know the principles. I find it difficult to understand why
we should disrespect a theory that speaks about equality for all. Also, I believe
that feminism is not some theory that is to be upheld by women alone. The
famous writer and symbolist Dan Brown has said in his book The Davinci Code that Jesus Christ is the greatest
feminist of all times and so should be all men. A man should always be a
promoter of equality by acknowledging the fact that women deserve rights and not
reservations.
I am not trying to justify all the principles of feminism. All I am
trying to do is, make people aware of the fact that feminism is not a bad idea and
that we should not feel ashamed to say that we are indeed feminists! I can say
that I am a feminist while at the same time I can assure that I am neither
biased nor ignorant about the importance of men in our society. There may be
a few who misinterpret the ideals of feminism but that doesn't mean that feminism is a wrong idea. So I think we should all try to know more about feminism closely rather than forming biased opinions and mocking our
maverick female friends by addressing them as ‘feminists’. After all, there is nothing wrong in learning since we
all evolve by imbibing new ideas and principles.