Feminism does not always come with positive feelings. Even though feminism means the equalization of men and women, some women have taken it too far and tried to push their status to a higher one than that of a man. Some men in return feel threatened by feminism and resist gender equality. There are many misconceptions about feminism. But why does feminism often have a negative connotation? Does it really mean more power for women and more disadvantages for men? Or are the many negative ideas of feminism just simple delusions?
In her TEDx Talk, Tavi Gevinson (2012) explains that there is a big misconception about feminism. Nowadays, a strong feminist character is believed to be ‘perfectly consistent in [her] beliefs, never being insecure, never having doubts, having all the answers’ (Gevinson, 2012). Gevinson further explains that feminism is often seen as a rulebook and that women are put into categories by society. This delusion might explain why some women think that they have to show their independence and power so much and push feminism toward the extreme. But Gevinson (2012) emphasizes that this idea of feminism is not true. Quite the contrary, feminism should form room for discussions which is open to different opinions and interpretations.
Feminism can only be interpreted in different ways because every single person has a different background, another perspective on life, and unique wishes and needs. Therefore, feminism should actually be about freedom. And technically freedom is a logical consequence of the equalisation of men and women. Gevinson (2012) underlines this argument by stating that feminism is about asking your own questions and finding your own answers, to find want you want in life without letting yourself be put in a category made by society. In other words, feminism is about the freedom and self-determination not only of a woman but also of a man.
Kimmel (2015) agrees that the general view of feminism - that gender equality is only about women - is false. Men play a crucial role in feminism too and the consequences of change are as important to them as they are to women. While everyone always just talks about the disadvantages women have, nobody really considers the desires of men. Kimmel (2015) explains that ‘gender equality is actually a way for [men] to get the lives [they] want to live’. He continues by clarifying that many men actually appreciate the shift in work-life balance, that they want to be more involved in their families and Kimmel (2015) strengthens this argument with statics that prove that gender equality results in ‘higher levels of happiness’.
Kimmel (2015) and Gevinson (2012) both established that there are misconceptions about feminism and that society needs to change its view on this topic. Gender equality only comes with advantages and positive life changes for everyone as it means self-determination and freedom. And still, there are many people - men and women - who interpret or represent feminism in a wrong way. One problem that Kimmel mentions is that men tend to have a certain sense of entitlement. Many men think that specific aspects of life are meant for men which is wrong. According to Kimmel (2015), gender equality can only be achieved when this mentality is confronted. He finishes his TED Talk by stating that women can only fully be empowered when men are involved as well.
Concluding it can be stated that feminism and gender equality have meaning for both women and men. Seeing both genders as equal does not just help women to have a better life without disadvantages compared to men. More than that, gender equality signifies freedom, self-determination, and a better life for everyone. The only precondition is to leave stereotypes about women and men behind and start focussing on how gender equality really can be achieved.