Breaking Down Misconceptions: What is the True Definition of Feminism?

Feminism is defined as wanting the equal rights for women. If you agree that women should receive the same pay as the men in the office, you're a feminist. If you agree that women should be given the same respect and opportunities as men, you're a feminist. However, Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, in general has this problem with viewing feminism in a wrong way. I'm not targeting only the males out there- but a number of females too. They are usually confused between the terms "feminism" and "misandry".

Feminism is represented awfully, where feminists are described as the women being too loud, too aggressive, too strong, anti-men or even unattractive. That is definitely not feminism but is indeed a mockery of it. Misandry is a term defined as a hatred of men, which is also often termed as a feature of feminism. Feminism is a movement that seeks to make people free from the shacks of patriarchy, but is mistook as wanting a social structure in which men are suppressed by women.

Women are placed under the men in a patriarchal society. Nevertheless, the people supporting feminism are accused of snatching away the power and opportunities of men and establishing a world where women dominate entirely. Women and those men who speak up against the toxic gender roles made my the society, are expected to mince words and act according to the gender roles laid out for them. Feminists are expected to be calm, polite and talk softly rather than being loud, aggressive and oppressive against the unevenness between men and women. Often, those who support equality between these 2 genders step back from becoming a feminist because they have learnt the misinterpretation that feminism is about hating men and not about being equal to men.

Frequently, jokes are made about feminism. They say, "women can't even control their emotions and they want to be equal to men?" or, " men do stupid things- do women want the equal right to do those same stupid things?". Comments such as these clearly show that people have the false impression of feminism. In many cases, individuals are scared of openly fighting for the equal rights for women due to such comments that are passed on a regular bases. They fear from judgement, being called names and what not. Feminism isn't about not taking dowry because they respect women or about not blaming a lady during an accident because, well she is a lady. Feminism means respecting women and not blaming them for the smallest things, often connected to stereotypes.

Feminism also doesn't mean that we treat men with less respect than the women. Men and women deserve equal respect. Not interrupting girls in the class when talking is wrong, because if this is practiced then the boys should also not be stopped from talking or cracking casual jokes. Generally, men as seen as dangerous, and hence are trusted less. This is explained with the reason "men commit horrible crimes such as murder, rape, etc.". These "horrible" crimes are also performed by women, although their statistics are lower. Instead of seeking equality, many “feminists” are instead seeking revenge for women who came before them by oppressing people who personally had nothing to do with it but are an easy scapegoat.

There is a fine difference between feminism and fake feminism. If you call yourself as a feminist, you should probably make sure that you aren't a fake one. A feminist is a person who fights, stands up for the equal rights of a women. But in the process, they do not harm the innocent ones, neither do they disrespect and hate the men simply because they are men. Feminism does mean equality between men and women, but not making a women dominated society where men are treated as once women were- weak, controlled and suppressed.