“Simply put, feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” (Hooks,1). As a women’s studies major, one of the main scrutinies I receive is when people ask me “So are you like one of those extreme feminists, the ones that hate guys’ existences?” I am constantly questioned about why I would support such an “extreme” movement. Throughout the decades, feminism has been put on blast in media and politics, portraying the movement in a negative light. Media over time created this standard of how women should look and behave, and consequently, people conform to this norm. Likewise, when people reject to live by these norms, one is labelled as deviant. Conversely, our social institutions indirectly deviate and stereotype
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She exemplifies the countless stereotypes feminist face every day when advocating for women’s rights. Bell states, “Although when our conversations end, they are quick to tell me I am different, not like the "real ' ' feminists who hate men, who are angry.” (Hooks, viii). As a male feminist, my gender and feminist views are constantly questioned. I always get asked, “How do you believe in something that hates men?”. I define feminism as the movement to end all inequalities that distinguish or undermine a woman in comparison to a man. Similarly, Hooks breaks down the anti-men stereotype by explaining that women can be just as sexist as men are. Hooks says, “as women realized that males were not the only group in our society who supported sexist thinking and behaviour - that females could be sexist as well - an anti-male sentiment no longer shaped the movement 's consciousness. The focus shifted to an all-out effort to create gender justice.” (Hooks, 3). Furthermore, the idea of a sisterhood became stronger when intersectionality became a topic of discussion. I always explain that anyone can be a feminist, male or female. Feminism is the goal to end all oppression and sexism. The reason why people believe feminism is anti-men is because of the failure to acknowledge that oppression and sexism benefit men more than women in our patriarchal
She exemplifies the countless stereotypes feminist face every day when advocating for women’s rights. Bell states, “Although when our conversations end, they are quick to tell me I am different, not like the "real ' ' feminists who hate men, who are angry.” (Hooks, viii). As a male feminist, my gender and feminist views are constantly questioned. I always get asked, “How do you believe in something that hates men?”. I define feminism as the movement to end all inequalities that distinguish or undermine a woman in comparison to a man. Similarly, Hooks breaks down the anti-men stereotype by explaining that women can be just as sexist as men are. Hooks says, “as women realized that males were not the only group in our society who supported sexist thinking and behaviour - that females could be sexist as well - an anti-male sentiment no longer shaped the movement 's consciousness. The focus shifted to an all-out effort to create gender justice.” (Hooks, 3). Furthermore, the idea of a sisterhood became stronger when intersectionality became a topic of discussion. I always explain that anyone can be a feminist, male or female. Feminism is the goal to end all oppression and sexism. The reason why people believe feminism is anti-men is because of the failure to acknowledge that oppression and sexism benefit men more than women in our patriarchal