The definition of feminism by Merriam Webster is, “The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” Feminism is the belief in and advocacy for gender equality in politics, economics and society particularly via organized activism in favor of women’s rights and interests. If the definition of feminism is just wanting equality between the sexes, then shouldn’t everyone be considered a feminist?

Over the years, the misconceptions about feminism as well as the stigmatization of the word and movement as a whole stem mostly from ignorance and misunderstandings. There is a plethora of misconceptions to be addressed and hopefully dispelled by the end of this article. 

1. Feminists hate men

While there are feminists who do believe that women are superior to men, this type of activism is not true feminism. True feminists believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally and support human rights for people of all gender identities. Feminism, in reality, embraces a wide range of gender concerns, including hegemonic masculinity and how today’s society’s conventional expectation for men are restrictive and harmful. Feminists are all for allowing individuals to be their true selves without being afraid of being judged by society’s arbitrary norms. Feminism and social justice movements in general are not made to put one group above another; rather, they seek to dismantle the systems that do. 

2. Feminists can only be women

Feminism is for anyone for wants to be an advocate for equality and change. 

3. All feminists think the same

This statement could not be more untrue. Revises Sociology has a great chart which demonstrates four different branches of feminist thinking: liberal, marxist, radical, difference and many more types not included on the list such as cultural, eco etc exist. Feminism presents itself in different ways in different people, and each person’s own experience changes how they view feminism and how significant it is in their life.

4. Feminist is just a trend

Feminism is an important issue as sexism is still rampant in our patriarchal society. Women continue to earn far less than their male counterparts. Due to the lack of women in top positions, women are underrepresented in politics, business etc. Women’s rights to control their own bodies is regularly questioned. The most horrific is the data on domestic violence and sexual assault against women and girls is extremely sad and disturbing.

5. Feminism is only white 

It is critical to understand that the feminist movement was founded to raise awareness, and to pursue equality, justice and an end to all forms of violence against all people, including but not limited to women. Trans women and women of color are frequently overlooked by some feminists, and it is critical to guarantee that their views are heard. No one should feel that their voices and their equality is dependent on another. 

Hopefully this article cleared up some of the myths and misconceptions about feminism. A lot of times the media only portrays radical feminism when in reality it is much more than that.