what is feminism - Page 2

Originally posted by: zorrro

who coined that word? it is a misnomer if not misleading.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

The specific person who coined the word is unknown, but feminism appears in the late 1800s.

Why do you consider it a misnomer?

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The word feminism sounds like its promoting the feminine gender over the masculine. If it is supposed to promote gender equality it should have been a more gender neutral term.

Originally posted by: zorrro

The word feminism sounds like its promoting the feminine gender over the masculine. If it is supposed to promote gender equality it should have been a more gender neutral term.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

In mathematics when you balance an equation, you cannot treat both sides equally. You have to add or subtract to the sides.

It is similar with feminism. Centuries of patriarchy had created an unbalanced equation. Before feminism began women were considered property. Women did not have rights to property or voting. Their only role was to be domestic homemakers. To make women equal many things had to be added to the women's side of the equation to balance the equation. The name and focus is on the side depleted side of the equation that needs to be brought up to the other side.

So it is with civil movements around the world.

Black lives matter does not mean that white lives don't matter. It means we need to give black lives the same respect and consideration that white lives have received for decades.

Gay marriage movement does not mean gay marriage is better than straight marriage. It means that gay couples need the same equality that is a given to straight couples.

Transgender rights does not mean cisgender people do not need rights. It means that transgender people need protection to enjoy the same civil liberties cisgender people do.

So it is with feminism. It does not mean males don't matter. It means that we have a long way to go still before women are actually equal to men.

Privileged groups often don't see the unbalanced equation. They only see that the other side is getting something while they remain static or lose something. That is why they complain. They fail to see the fact that even with all the additions the other side is far from being equal in the equation. They fail to see that the other side still has a significantly lower net value.

Originally posted by: thegameison

People do get confused. They confuse misandry with feminism. Misandry is people being prejudiced against men, and believing that women are superior. Feminism is simply when a person, be it a man or a woman, believes that men and women deserve to be treated equally.

Originally posted by: qwertyesque

feminism generally arises from certain womens perception of men trying to enforce rules on them or coerce them into subjugation.. obvious there will be hatred born out of resentment...feminism has nothing to do with men.. like all stupid things it starts/gains popularity from USA... whether its bra burning or looking and dressing like men!!!(wearing the pants - pun intended)