The Fight For Women's Rights Begins With Awareness part 2

The Myths of Feminism Unraveled

Regrettably, the negative view of feminism is not uncommon among most of the population in the United States. When a college student from Memphis was asked to describe a feminist her response was, "A butch woman who hates men and bitches about them all the time." Later she was asked a series of questions and was in disbelief upon learning that she was actually a feminist herself:

Interviewer: "Do you believe that women should be below, above, or on the same level as men?"

College Student: "On the same level."

Interviewer: "Do you believe inequality and injustice in women's lives is acceptable?"

College Student: "Of course not."

Interviewer: "So you believe it should be eliminated?"

College Student: "Yes."

Interviewer: "What would your reaction be if I told you that by having this belief, it means you are a feminist?"

College Student: "A little surprised I guess, I don't know. Anytime I've thought of someone being a feminist the picture that always comes to my mind is an angry lesbian. I'd be a little embarrassed to tell someone because everyone I know shares the same reaction that I've had."

Anyone who has a positive view towards women and their achievements and are against

oppression against them is considered a feminist.

There are many types of feminists out there, but only few somewhat fit the common
stereotype. One part of the image problem feminists experience is that they all hate men. While they're may be some out there that do share this hatred, the larger part of the group does not. In fact, it is safe to say that most feminists are in relationships with men and some are even men themselves. "Nonetheless, the man-hating myth works to prevent many women who want to be in relationships with men from claiming feminism." (Shaw 15) When the student was asked what her friends would say if she were to reveal to them that she was a feminist she said, "Hah, well they'd make fun of me and probably suggest that I should go to a bra burning rally, or something." It's very sad that people, like the college student interviewed above, are embarrassed to call themselves a feminist because of ridiculous misconceptions like these. The same affect is seen with the belief that women who claim to be feminists want to be a man. These sexist are nothing but absurd and they only continue to hurt the image of feminism. People who call themselves a feminist encourage women to fight for the same amount of power that men possess and the value the importance of being woman.