While feminism and gender equality movements have made significant strides in empowering women worldwide, persistent stereotypes and widespread apprehension still cloud their progress. Despite gains, many individuals harbour fear or disdain towards these movements. According to a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Centre, 45 per cent of Americans find feminism polarising, while 30 per cent consider it outdated. Similarly, a 2022 global survey across 30 countries, conducted in collaboration with the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London, unveiled that a third of men perceive feminism as doing more harm than good (32 per cent global country average), expressing concerns over the perceived threat to traditional masculinity (33 per cent).
How did we arrive at this juncture? Why does the mere mention of the “F” word trigger such anxiety? Is it because feminism challenges entrenched norms, provoking discomfort and defensiveness among those accustomed to the status quo? Or is it because it dismantles the power structures of misogynistic ideologies, exposing their fallacies and advocating for the eradication of any remaining grip they hold over women?
The Feminist Stereotype
In the contemporary landscape, the concept of “true” womanhood remains shackled by antiquated ideals propagated by a male-dominated paradigm. Society often imposes a narrow definition of femininity, tethering women to traits like passivity, softness, modesty, domesticity, infantilisation, and perceived incompetence. Unfortunately, feminism bears the burden of misrepresentation, its essence distorted by misleading stereotypes. Feminists are often unfairly portrayed as strident, confrontational figures, labelled as too loud, aggressive, or even deemed unattractive by societal standards. Instead of embracing feminism as a force for positive change, society often perceives it as a threat to established norms and power structures.
Feminism is not Men’s Enemy
This mischaracterisation perpetuates a damaging narrative that misconstrues the fundamental principles of feminism. In truth, feminism is not an ideology of hostility towards men; rather, it champions the fundamental notion of equality between genders. The essence of feminism lies in advocating for equal rights and opportunities for women and men alike.
Feminism endeavours not to diminish the status of men, but rather to elevate the status of women to parity with men. It does not prioritise one person’s experiences over another’s; rather, it seeks to comprehend and address the diverse ways in which inequality impacts both women and men. Feminism rejects the notion of creating a hierarchy of suffering; instead, it emphasises the importance of recognising and rectifying systemic inequities that affect individuals, regardless of gender.
True equality is inclusive and leaves no one behind, fostering a collective understanding that we are all interconnected in the pursuit of gender justice.
Consequences of Stereotyping of Feminism
The misinterpretation of feminism has sown seeds of misunderstanding and discord within society. Despite its noble goals of equality and liberation, the movement’s true essence often gets drowned out by divisive rhetoric and misconceptions. Throughout history, feminists have tirelessly fought against discrimination in various spheres of life, including the workplace, education, and domestic settings. However, their original objectives have been distorted by public perception and counter-revolutionary propaganda.
The portrayal of feminists as radicals has further exacerbated the polarisation of the movement, steering people away from its core mission of social change. As a result, feminism’s true purpose is overshadowed by sensationalised portrayals and misconstrued narratives, much like an ignorant rumour gaining traction.
Media Portrayal of Feminism
The media plays a significant role in shaping public perceptions of everything. And so, it has played a critical role in creating perceptions about feminism, often contributing to its discrediting. Many print and broadcast outlets tend to focus solely on the more extreme aspects of the feminist movement, neglecting its nuanced and rational core. Despite journalistic intentions to present an objective viewpoint, feminism has frequently been cast in a negative light by media platforms. This negative portrayal of feminism is fueled by a tendency within the media to foster oppositional narratives, pitting women against men and perpetuating negative stereotypes. They are often depicted as outliers, disconnected from the experiences of “ordinary” women, and associated primarily with public activism rather than everyday life.
However, amidst this media landscape, there is a glimmer of hope. While women continue to be underrepresented in traditional media outlets, the rise of social media platforms has provided a more egalitarian space for discourse. Social media platforms facilitate a more level playing field, enabling women from diverse backgrounds and regions, irrespective of traditional power dynamics, to amplify their voices and share their experiences. It underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping public discourse and advancing the cause of gender equality on a global scale.
We Need Men Too
The participation of men in feminism is essential for several reasons. Firstly, men hold a considerable amount of influence and privilege in many aspects of society, and their support can amplify the voices and efforts of feminists. By actively engaging men in feminist discourse and advocacy, we can foster greater understanding and collaboration towards dismantling systemic inequalities. Moreover, cultivating feminist values in boys from a young age is pivotal for shaping the future landscape of masculinity. By instilling principles of equality, respect, and empathy in young boys, we can nurture a generation of men who are committed to challenging traditional power dynamics and advocating for gender justice.
To truly progress towards gender equality, it is imperative to challenge misconceptions and foster a more nuanced understanding of feminism. By dismantling the barriers of misrepresentation, we can pave the way for meaningful dialogue and collective action towards a more equitable future for all genders.
Mahek Nankani is a Development Professional. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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