Feminism is NOT a Four-Letter Word.

Feminism as the F-word.

Tell me why the word “feminism” has such a bad connotation? Is it because when the average person thinks of “feminism,” said person almost automatically responds with the reaction that the “feminist” they are talking to is more than likely a ball-busting-man-hating-she-dog who burns her bras and doesn’t practice personal hygiene? This is a question that has bothered me for about as long as I’ve been advocating for my rights as a woman in my own, personal life. I don’t know why men (I say “men” because this is typically the demographic that reacts in the above fashion) respond to my feminism in a similar way that they would if I was a leper.
When did feminism become a four-letter word? Did it happen at the turn of the 20th century circa women’s suffrage? Maybe it came to pass that feminism was an evil conspiracy against men during the second wave, when women were breaking out from under the patriarchal thumb of society and leaving the kitchen to go out into the world. Acceptance is the first step to understanding, and in the case of women’s rights or feminism or whatever term you choose to employ, understanding is key.

I am a feminist, and have been for several years. I read feminist literature by Elizabeth Wurtzel, Richards and Baumgardner’s collection of essays from Bitch magazine in a book titled Bitchfest, and I wholeheartedly agree and try to live by the manifesta. Does this make me a man-hating-she-dog? No. It means that I feel like I’m educated enough to understand where the animosity towards feminists comes from. In my experience, the negative vibe towards feminists comes from men, who, unfortunately, still feel that men are on top of the chain of command, and are reluctant to share, equally, their power in society. Those of whom I speak like the patriarchal society in which this country predominantly lives, and are fearful of losing their place. The status that men in power in this society enjoy likens back to the playground, singing “I’m the king of the castle and you’re the dirty rascal.” This translates back to today and refers to the feeling of empowerment that men share at the top, because they worked hard to get where they are. But what happens when a woman works just as hard, and manages to get her foot in the door of the castle at the top of the playground? An inquiry as to her abilities and judgment goes into session, makes national news for a few weeks, only to come to the conclusion that was known all along: that the woman in question is just as qualified as the man.

It is a brilliant work of liberal feminism here. A woman strives for equality with men, but finds resistance from the opposition, and only after much determination on the part of the woman does she gain access to the boys’ club. It’s not too much to ask for a bit of equality, especially when it comes to politics, is it? Feminists of all degrees can work as hard as we can to gain so little; and for men to provide only resistance, the goal of equality is further out of reach. It takes an understanding of where women are coming from and a disposal of the negative connotation of the word “feminist” in order for us, as women, as people, to gain what we truly desire. I feel that feminism should be a positive thing in the eyes of society, and that it is up to both sexes to maintain whatever equality we manage to achieve.

Cheers,
Patsy