The word “feminism” is often perceived negatively nowadays because it is associated with multiple misconceptions. The unfavorable associations also make individuals want to detach themselves from the feminist movement even if they regard gender equality as an essential value. However, it is almost impossible to stay away from feminist principles if you want to promote equal rights among men and women, and, in this paper, I would like to discuss why.
The term “feminist” is very multisided and encompasses a lot of practices aimed to eliminate discrimination. According to Smith (2013), the movement started in the 19th and early 20th centuries to provide women with basic rights (that is, voting and education), which they could not enjoy at that time. However, the concept of feminism has evolved dramatically since then. Nowadays, it involves advocacy and a set of activities aimed to protect the rights of a plethora of discriminated groups, including LGBT community members and racial minorities (Smith, 2013). Besides, it has turned into a rigorous scholarly discipline aimed to detect the origins of inequality and develop new structures that would help to eliminate social injustice and promote a fairer view of gender (Smith, 2013). The latter feature is what makes feminism important to consider and practice for every person who supports gender equality and wants to achieve it.
It is impossible to eradicate any form of inequality without comprehending what causes it. Therefore, the right critical approach is required and, it is valid to presume that feminist epistemology can provide the right methods needed to develop such an understanding. In general, epistemology is an investigation of knowledge in terms of its validity. By using epistemological methods, a person can distinguish an unjustified belief from factual truth. As for feminist epistemology, it aims to identify whether certain sources of knowledge (for example, scientific and literary pieces) are products of male privilege and whether the claims they make about females are biased or not (Smith, 2013). One does not need to be a scholar, call himself or herself a feminist, or engage in active research of literature to employ epistemological principles in practice. A person can use them daily by evaluating the behaviors and words of others, as well as their own attitudes, to identify whether they are prejudiced and biased. Only through such a critical approach and awareness-raising practices, is it possible to obtain the knowledge needed to change individual behaviors, manners of interpersonal communication, and social practices in a way that fosters greater equality.
It is valid to say that the majority of people who hate feminists are convinced that they hate men and can do virtually anything to humiliate and reproach them. Besides, many individuals who dislike feminists consider that the latter pose a threat to traditional values and social norms. However, such views on feminism are wrongful and do not capture the essence of the term. The purpose of feminism is to promote equity among all genders and, when it comes to the new-wave feminism, to make sure that diverse individuals enjoy equal rights. Every person who wants to be active in the promotion of gender equality eventually commits to practices aimed to detect injustices and encourage a fairer treatment of people from disparate backgrounds. Thus, it does not matter whether a person calls themselves a feminist. If they support gender equality, they already act in accordance with the core values and principles of feminism.
Reference
Smith, B. G. (2013). Women’s studies: The basics (2nd ed.). London, UK: Routledge.