31/05/2020
Feminism started as a movement for and by women for the advocacy on the basis of equality of sexes unlike how people have started to misconstrue it as the idea of hating men i.e., Misandry. The ill structured opinions of individuals’ make it clear that specific views on these issues are rooted deeply in our personal and direct experiences and ignorance, rather than research and statistics. No one person is representative of a movement so vast in scope and understanding.
If the etymology of feminism disturbs people in believing in its idea of equality, then one needs to question mankind, humanity, menarche, every word with men in it. From early philosophers like Aristotle and Plato to male politicians framing laws on women’s reproductive rights, one needs to reflect on how women have mostly been represented as inferior till date. We must remember that gender is neither binary nor a biological determination. Terms like ‘Feminine’ or ‘Masculine’ is socially constructed and ascends from unequal power dynamics. It is totally fine for anyone to not identify as a feminist but do not trivialize violence faced by survivors in any form and in any way possible, it’s the worst form of humanism one can preach.
Feminism believes in intersectionality, it started as a women rights movement and has evolved to become more diverse and inclusive with time. Intersectionality believes that they do not experience the same levels of discrimination even while working within the same structures that may locate them as poor, lower caste, untouchables etc. Failing to acknowledge such complex structures is either ‘privilege’ or denial. In case you are still hung up on the concept of respect people to earn it, we request you to descend from your high horse and talk to victims of such inhumane discrimination.
When one talks about Men’s Rights, a genuine concern not a comeback is imperative in order to stand against the injustice men face which requires research and statistics rather than blatant misinformation and whataboutery. A false r**e case is an unfortunate anomaly not the norm.
From no pockets in our clothes to unrealistic beauty standards, women’s appearance relied on the preference of what men chose for them. If anyone is worried about a woman’s bra strap (no, it’s not vest), we need to understand that this idea stems out from their conditioning about fear of being sexualized by men, or it’s a sight of a potential abuser unable to fight its instincts of violating a woman’s modesty.
Whether it’s crime against women going unreported or men stuck in false allegations, the increase in pending cases, and stagnant conviction rate etc. points to the inefficiency of our judicial system and lawmakers, blaming a whole movement rather than asking for more accountability and striving for level playing field from the legal system is exactly what we need feminism for. Also, don't indulge in gross misappropriation of facts just because it sounds 'cool'.
