Understanding Feminism

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Recommended: The fight against gender inequality is complex but necessary

Some men as well as women think that part of the feminism’s definition is that women want to be men. That is so far from the truth. Having the same rights and equalities of men is not the same as wanting a penis. Feminism has a misconception of being a movement that is anti-male. An example of this thinking is a quote from Reverend Jerry Farwell “Feminists hate man. They’re sexist. They hate men - that’s the problem” (David, 1998). Some people object to the language change in feminism that is the change of a “police officer” from a “policeman”. These thoughts are from the same people who don’t believe that women should even be allowed to vote. Unfortunately some people cannot see the big picture on how the feminist movement has improved the lives of men and children as well as women. All that Feminist want is to create a just society for women without oppression to achieve legal and economic equality between men and women as well as the rights to control over their own bodies.

By understanding oppression, you understand feminism. When you question why your path is blocked with barriers that have nothing to do with individual talent or merit, handicap or failure, but by on being in the membership in some category; that is oppression. (Frye). You have to look at how the barrier fits with others and who benefits or is harmed in its work. The barrier is constructed and maintained by men, for the benefit of men. Evelyn Cunningham states “Women are the only oppressed group in our society that lives in intimate association with their oppressors” (Rawlings, 2009). Oppression in people occurs when their options are reduced to very few and all are exposed to penalty, censure or deprivation. Women have been placed in a categ...

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...s House of Knowledge. 1998. 19 Jan. 2010. http://www.holysmoke.org/sdhok/fem.htm.

Rawlings, J.J. “Mobilising African Women for Economic Development.” Word Press. 24 Sept. 2009. 19 Jan. 2010. http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/mobilising-african-women-for-economic-development-nana-konadu-agyeman-rawlings/.

Frye, Marilyn. The Politics of Reality. Trumansburg, N.Y.: The Crossing Press, 1983.

REFERENCES:

David, Shy. “Feminism Pages.” Shy David’s House of Knowledge. 1998. 19 Jan. 2010. http://www.holysmoke.org/sdhok/fem.htm.

Rawlings, J.J. “Mobilising African Women for Economic Development.” Word Press. 24 Sept. 2009. 19 Jan. 2010. http://jjrawlings.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/mobilising-african-women-for-economic-development-nana-konadu-agyeman-rawlings/.

Frye, Marilyn. The Politics of Reality. Trumansburg, N.Y.: The Crossing Press, 1983.

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