Yes, I'm a feminist and I respect both men and women

By Kuljeet Chandel

(Image source: John Olson/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)

Feminism as a stigma

Feminism meaning by a 20 year old man -

The belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men and one should not undermine the strength and capacity of one gender, keeping in mind that both the genders have differences but that should not be a reason for differential access to resources.

This article represents everything that is wrong with modern feminism. The movement, which claims to be a champion for all women, is no longer inclusive to those with conservative values. But perhaps more troubling is that the movement

has largely morphed into an ugly, hostile mob that uses the term "feminist" to perpetuate false victimhood.

I overheard this conversation where a girl was asked whether she identified as a feminist or not. The girl replied, “A feminist? No, I don’t believe in that. These feminists are too much. All they do is male-bashing. But I definitely believe in equal rights for all genders”... this made me think how is feminism not about gender equality above all? We live around the circle of this paradox. Thousands of women have finally found their voices in this movement. Feminism has given us the ability and courage to stand up for ourselves whenever we’re pushed into an unfair situation.

So the question that arises is: Why is a movement that is meant to break stigmas, creating

another stigma? Why are we so afraid of labelling ourselves as feminist? Is it because of the

way popular Media depicted us?

Efforts for equal rights are constantly engulfed in a wave of criticism coming from those that

aren’t truly aware about the significance of the movement. It is as wrong to let women

jeopardize the true essence of feminism with their personal interpretation as it is to not support the real cause and meaning. "Feminazis" rule the frame and

degrade the meaning and definition of feminism. We cannot, in any way, compare sameness with equality- both these words have different meanings. When we talk about feminism, we also have to understand that both the genders have different domains in which they rule and have strength. If one compares and try to prove either of the sides superior to the other, we have to make sure we take the right stand and verify the ground reality. We don’t deny the fact that men and women suffer equally but it’s not always about taking sides but contemplating and standing by the righteous side.

After all, we are all parts of the bigger society and it’s a need of the hour to unite and fight for

justice together and for the betterment of all. No gender is to be targeted and looked down

upon. When we stand up for our rights, we don’t just stand up for a specific gender. Instead, we throw our fists in the air for whoever has been treated unfairly. Whether that is for men being told that “boys don’t cry,” or women that are advised to “keep their opinions to themselves”.

Another factor that also possibly adds on to feminism losing its real value as a movement is the fact that the very group of women who are in dire need of the inculcation of equality in their lives, are left untouched. Let's look at our own home, India. There are a vast number of villages and rural areas where the concept of feminism is unheard of. And yet, there are women who wake up at ungodly hours to fetch water for their family and doing other things to take care of them, while still being dominated by the men in their house. Efforts of making feminism reach all those homes where it is needed have been rare, to say the least. While no one can deny that its still a long way for India before the shackles of patriarchy are broken, there have often been instances where some privileged women have abused the concept of feminism. It is totally unfair for an important movement like feminism to be reduced to a slang for misandrists because of a few people.

Feminism is not about glorifying pink colour and taking pride about it but it's a generalized term which tends to stand for justice and equality. We don't ever need to feel ashamed for

calling ourselves as feminists because if we see real bigger picture, it stands for both men and women equally. Let’s keep equality as a parameter and redefine the concept of feminism in which men will also take part and call themselves feminists.

"Yes, I’m a feminist and I respect both men and women."