Feminism and Profeminism
Although many young women today appreciate the positive impacts of the feminist movement, they are still reluctant to embrace the title of a feminist. This fear of feminism is not simply being scared of being a feminist, but rather having a fear of a combination of things that our society associates with the word feminist.
Often, when a young woman is afraid of being called a feminist, they are actually afraid of political consequences that accompany the label. This is a realistic fear because “There are powerful interests opposed to feminism” (Hogeland 656) such as white supremacists and capitalists. The things that feminists stand for do not benefit these interests in any way, and because it is not beneficial to …show more content…
In our society, many people believe that women who are feminists are also lesbian. Because the words feminist and lesbian are so often associated together, “Feminism requires that we confront that homophobia constantly” (Hogeland 656). Along the same lines, young women believe that being labeled a feminist would also limit their choices of a partner. They “may believe that a feminist identity puts them out of the pool for many men” (Hogeland 656). Again, this may be a very real idea as men feminist or feminist supporters are a rarity and therefore may be reluctant to be with a woman who is a feminist.
The apparent fear of feminism also includes a fear of commitment. Someone who embraces feminism might have to defend their position and speak out for their cause. This may result in unwanted attention and a negative reputation. Many young women might actually hold these beliefs but do not want to publicly state them because they believe that “It is far easier to rest in silence, as if silence were neutrality, and as if neutrality were safety” (Hogeland …show more content…
As previously mentioned, profeminist men can join groups and take workshops to show their support of women. While their public display of support is important, how they exhibit their support in their private lives is also important. Traditionally, in a family, the man would have a career and the woman would stay home, take care of the house, and essentially raise the children. However, profeminist men can show support through their private lives by helping with household chores, participating in taking care of children, taking time off from their careers for paternity leave, and making time in their schedules for family
Although many young women today appreciate the positive impacts of the feminist movement, they are still reluctant to embrace the title of a feminist. This fear of feminism is not simply being scared of being a feminist, but rather having a fear of a combination of things that our society associates with the word feminist.
Often, when a young woman is afraid of being called a feminist, they are actually afraid of political consequences that accompany the label. This is a realistic fear because “There are powerful interests opposed to feminism” (Hogeland 656) such as white supremacists and capitalists. The things that feminists stand for do not benefit these interests in any way, and because it is not beneficial to …show more content…
In our society, many people believe that women who are feminists are also lesbian. Because the words feminist and lesbian are so often associated together, “Feminism requires that we confront that homophobia constantly” (Hogeland 656). Along the same lines, young women believe that being labeled a feminist would also limit their choices of a partner. They “may believe that a feminist identity puts them out of the pool for many men” (Hogeland 656). Again, this may be a very real idea as men feminist or feminist supporters are a rarity and therefore may be reluctant to be with a woman who is a feminist.
The apparent fear of feminism also includes a fear of commitment. Someone who embraces feminism might have to defend their position and speak out for their cause. This may result in unwanted attention and a negative reputation. Many young women might actually hold these beliefs but do not want to publicly state them because they believe that “It is far easier to rest in silence, as if silence were neutrality, and as if neutrality were safety” (Hogeland …show more content…
As previously mentioned, profeminist men can join groups and take workshops to show their support of women. While their public display of support is important, how they exhibit their support in their private lives is also important. Traditionally, in a family, the man would have a career and the woman would stay home, take care of the house, and essentially raise the children. However, profeminist men can show support through their private lives by helping with household chores, participating in taking care of children, taking time off from their careers for paternity leave, and making time in their schedules for family