When feminism was conceptualised during the 19th century, it was the battle of equality. Women rose together to demand equality in quality of life, profession and to present their opinions in public spaces. A feminist might be a man, woman, or anyone who believes sex should not be a factor in deciding what women’s rights are. It is a concept that strives for gender equality; it seeks to make it so that women are given the same education, the same platform, and the same opportunities that a man has in his life. Also, it aims at eliminating the stereotyping of women who have been prevalent for ages. Women should not be forced to leave school early and marry, or do housework, or fit in more traditional roles. But, off late, there is developing a new type of feminism that is rightly called pseudo-feminism.
Pseudo-feminism suggests that women deserve more respect, or people of other sexes do not deserve respect.
Feminism started as a nice support structure and a cause which was right, but hijacked by Pseudo feminists, who blame all of men, religion and culture.
Pseudo-feminists have managed to mutilate the definition of feminism from what it is to a brand of man-hate, seeking any opportunity to seek vengeance rather than equality. Pseudo-feminists have a deep desire to remedy all the injustices inflicted on women, often by lashing out and demeaning at men. What they forget is the fundamental essence of the movement towards feminism: equality.
Demeaning men in the name of feminism is where the thin line between the ideology and its pseudo side is erased. Feminism is a form of equal treatment; pseudo-feminism is a form of chauvinism.
The problem with pseudo-feminism lies in the fact that it takes away people’s attention from what matters the most. It spreads misinformation, indulges in shaming and to some extent, makes “Feminism” synonymous with misandry.
A misogynist is a person who hates or doesn’t trust women, and a misandrist is a person who hates or doesn’t trust men. While misogyny gets more recognition, both are toxic elements for a healthy society.
We need to understand that not all men are misogynist. Most men aren’t. Many women are misogynist. And to solve the situation, men and women need to work hand in hand. Like they solve their family problems.
Feminism brings people’s attention to the targeted gender and sexual identities and individuals who have been oppressed and marginalized for a long time. Feminism is and must be all about men, women, queer, and trans people.
Trans exclusionary feminism is not feminism. ‘Feminism of convenience’ is not Feminism. ‘Pseudo-feminism’ is not feminism. Feminism is so only when it is Intersectional.
All around us we see ‘movements’ where self-proclaimed pseudo feminists or the ‘goddesses’ of women’s rights (‘Women Rights Defenders’, ‘The true friends of Victims’ etc.) scream for trivial issues such as smoking, drinking and what not,
rant about movies hurting their sentiments and simple traditions of festivals being patriarchal. Somehow amidst all the hurricane of pseudo-feminists, the real suffering and plights of the actual victims get choked. How often do we see them standing up for women who actually undergo rape, abuse and oppression on a daily basis? Almost never.
The problem with pseudo-feminism lies in the fact that it takes away people’s attention from what matters the most. We need to mature to the concept of gender equality and give women the opportunities they deserve, but what we don’t need is people spreading hate and unrest in the name of feminism. This is a disturbing reality and we as a society, need to wake up from the narcotic of hypocrisy prevailing in the form of pseudo feminism.
Always remember, it is a battle against injustice and abuse, never was or be the battle between the sexes.
